The United Kingdom has launched a bid to host the Fifa 2035 Women’s World Cup, which if successful would be the nation’s first since 1966 opening up the possibility of another men’s tournament on British shores.
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have launched a joint bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.
The bid follows Fifa recommendations that the tournament be held in either Europe or Africa. There has not been a World Cup held in England since the men’s competition in 1966, which was won by the host country.
England held the men’s European Championship in 1996, and alongside Scotland, Wales and Republic of Ireland will again host the tournament in 2028. The women’s tournament was held in England in 2022 when the host nation lifted the trophy.
The declaration of interest will be sent to Fifa in the first quarter of 2025, and the bid in the final quarter of the year, when the governing body will look at the submissions for the 2031 and 2035 hosts. Speculation will, understandably, mount over the possibility of a future bid to host the men’s World Cup, should the 2035 Women’s World Cup be hosted in Britain.
The Government has reportedly been considering the levelling-up benefits of hosting a major tournament, in particular for the cities where the matches will be held.
Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, said: “Football is and always will be at the core of our country’s identity. Whether we watch on TV, play at the weekends like I do, or simply enjoy soaking up the atmosphere in the pub, it brings communities together like little else.
“That pride was on full display when England hosted Uefa Women’s Euro 2022. It not only showed the best of our nation to the world but inspired a generation of girls into the game, all whilst boosting the economy.
“The Fifa Women’s World Cup 2035 on home turf would be another monumental moment in our sporting history, driving growth and leaving a lasting legacy. The FA’s intention to bid has my Government’s full support.”
The current plans for the Women’s World Cup includes 32 teams, and England has already been overlooked as host of the 2018 edition of the men’s World Cup, when it was awarded to Russia.
Mark Bullingham, the chief executive of the Football Association, said: “Hosting the Fifa Women’s World Cup in 2035 would be an honour.
“We strongly believe that we could organise a fantastic tournament, building on the success of the Uefa Women’s Euros in 2022 and the subsequent rapid growth of the women’s game in England.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to welcome the world, and hosting participating nations and fans in sold-out stadiums.
“There is outstanding support for the women’s game in this country and we want to maximise this, not only for women’s and girls’ football here, but also for the benefit of the global game.”
The CEOs of the Irish, Scottish and Welsh football associations also voiced their support of the bid, highlighting the progress of women’s football in their respective jurisdictions, although it is England leading the pack. When it came to the 2024 Olympics, England were nominated to go for qualification on behalf of Team GB, and it would not be a surprise if the host cities were skewed in favour of the largest country in terms of population.
Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, said: “The UK has a fantastic track record in hosting the biggest events in world sport. The Uefa Women’s Euro 2022, where the Lionesses triumphed, will live long in the memory and has helped strengthen and grow women’s football.
“The opportunity to bring the Fifa Women’s World Cup to the UK is one that could build further on this crucial legacy. It would provide a wonderful stage for the best players on the planet to shine, bring communities together, create jobs and help drive economic growth. We will now work with the FA on the next stage of the process.”
