The United Kingdom is poised to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup as the sole valid bidder for the tournament, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced during a UEFA congress in Belgrade.
The joint bid, submitted by England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in March, was the only expression of interest received by Monday’s deadline, securing its position as the leading candidate under FIFA’s rotational hosting rules.
While Spain’s federation president Rafael Louzan hinted at a potential joint bid with Portugal and Morocco last week, no formal submission was made.
Infantino stated, “Today I can confirm…one valid bid for 2035 from Europe and the home nations.” With the United States set to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup, preparations for the future editions of women’s football’s showpiece tournament are underway.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham expressed pride in the UK’s status as the sole bidder, acknowledging, “The hard work starts now to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year.”
England women’s manager Sarina Wiegman echoed the excitement, recalling the transformative impact of the 2022 Euros in England and championing the potential boost to women’s football the World Cup could bring.
Formal bids are due this winter, with FIFA set to confirm the hosts in a congress vote in 2026. If ratified, the 2035 Women’s World Cup will mark the second World Cup staged by the home nations, following England’s hosting of the 1966 men’s tournament.
English FA officials view this development as a pivotal moment for women’s football in the UK and a step forward in fostering a strong relationship with FIFA. After failed bids for the men’s World Cups in 2006, 2018, and 2030, the prospect of hosting a global senior football competition at long last brings renewed optimism.
England is expected to host the bulk of the games in 2035, with Wembley likely to stage the final.
