UK Intending To Bid For 2035 Women’s World Cup

The Football Associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales have expressed their intention to submit a joint bid to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

This decision comes following FIFA’s recommendation that the tournament be hosted in either Europe or Africa that year.

Building on a Strong Hosting Legacy

The UK has a rich history of successfully hosting major football tournaments, particularly in recent years, where England and Scotland hosted games during Euro 2020, culminating in the final at Wembley in 2021.

Additionally, the UK will host the men’s Euro 2028 across England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland. One of the most significant milestones in the growth of women’s football in the UK was the Women’s Euro 2022, which England hosted. The tournament saw record-breaking attendance, with 87,192 fans at Wembley witnessing England’s victory over Germany in the final.

Despite this success, the UK has never hosted a Women’s World Cup, with England’s last attempt at hosting a men’s World Cup ending in disappointment, with unsuccessful bids for the 2006 and 2018 tournaments.

However, with the decision-making process now involving all 211 FIFA member nations, the UK’s chances of securing the 2035 event are considered stronger.

Competitive Landscape for 2031 and 2035

FIFA has set the fourth quarter of 2025 as the deadline for bids for both the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cups, with the United States is currently the favorite to host the 2031 tournament after withdrawing from the 2027 race, which was won by Brazil.

Adding to the tournament’s growing global appeal, Netflix has secured exclusive rights in the U.S. to broadcast live coverage of both the 2031 and 2035 editions.

In the UK, the Women’s World Cup is classified as a ‘crown jewel’ sporting event, meaning it must be made available to free-to-air broadcasters.

The 2023 tournament, which was broadcast on the BBC and ITV, saw a peak audience of 12 million viewers tune in for Spain’s victory over England in the final.

A Boost for Women’s Football in the UK

Securing the 2035 Women’s World Cup would be a landmark achievement for the UK and further elevate women’s football in the region.

The success of the Lionesses and the growing popularity of the sport in the UK indicate strong support for such an event as a successful bid would not only provide a significant boost to grassroots football but also cement the UK’s reputation as a premier destination for hosting major international tournaments.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!