The UK is confirmed as the exclusive bidder for the 2035 Women's World Cup, elevating women's football opportunities in the region.
UK to Host 2035 Women's World Cup as Sole Bidder
UK to Host 2035 Women's World Cup as Sole Bidder
UK's joint bid for the 2035 Women's World Cup accepted, according to FIFA President.
The United Kingdom has emerged as the only "valid" bidder to host the 2035 Women's World Cup, as confirmed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The joint proposal, made by England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, was submitted in March, coinciding with FIFA's requirement that future tournaments rotate between Europe and Africa.
Spain's football federation had previously indicated intentions to collaborate with Portugal and Morocco for a bid. However, the official deadline for submissions lapsed on Monday with Infantino announcing that the UK bid stands as the solitary entry for the 2035 tournament, while the United States will host the Women's World Cup in 2031.
Infantino stated, "Today I can confirm as part of the bidding process that we received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035." He emphasized the significant progress being made in women's football, with tournaments slated to occur in prestigious nations.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham expressed excitement about the recognition, stating, "We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2035." He acknowledged the work ahead to assemble the strongest proposal possible by the end of the year. The formal application for the 2035 tournament must be finalized this winter, with host nations to be evaluated and announced during a FIFA congress in 2026.
In addition to the 2035 election, Infantino disclosed that the upcoming 2031 Women’s World Cup will expand to accommodate 48 teams, an increase from the 32 teams featured in 2027. If confirmed, the 2035 World Cup would mark the second instance of a World Cup held across the home nations, the first being the men's tournament in England in 1966.
Spain's football federation had previously indicated intentions to collaborate with Portugal and Morocco for a bid. However, the official deadline for submissions lapsed on Monday with Infantino announcing that the UK bid stands as the solitary entry for the 2035 tournament, while the United States will host the Women's World Cup in 2031.
Infantino stated, "Today I can confirm as part of the bidding process that we received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035." He emphasized the significant progress being made in women's football, with tournaments slated to occur in prestigious nations.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham expressed excitement about the recognition, stating, "We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2035." He acknowledged the work ahead to assemble the strongest proposal possible by the end of the year. The formal application for the 2035 tournament must be finalized this winter, with host nations to be evaluated and announced during a FIFA congress in 2026.
In addition to the 2035 election, Infantino disclosed that the upcoming 2031 Women’s World Cup will expand to accommodate 48 teams, an increase from the 32 teams featured in 2027. If confirmed, the 2035 World Cup would mark the second instance of a World Cup held across the home nations, the first being the men's tournament in England in 1966.
