The United Kingdom’s chances of hosting the 2035 Women’s World Cup have been given a significant boost amid confusion at Fifa over a rival bid.
The football associations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland announced last month that they intended to submit a joint bid to host the tournament.
The deadline for expressions of interest was on Monday afternoon. It is understood the UK met that deadline but Fifa has not yet confirmed rival candidates, and it is unclear whether the UK will face any competition.
The president of the Spanish FA (RFEF), Rafael Louzán, said his association was “working on” a joint bid with Portugal and Morocco, with the three countries due to co-host the 2030 men’s World Cup. But there is confusion over Spain and Portugal’s position, as it has been reported that the Portuguese FA registered its expression of interest without mentioning Morocco. It is understood Fifa is attempting to clarify the situation. The governing body has been approached for comment.
There is a possibility the UK could emerge as the only bid and the confusion over a possible rival will have done its chances of being successful no harm.
Formal bids must be submitted by the end of November, with the vote taking place at Fifa’s congress in 2026.
Only countries in Europe or Africa can bid for the tournament because of Fifa’s rotation rules. Brazil will host the 2027 World Cup while the United States, which pulled out of the bidding process for that tournament, is the favourite to be host for 2031.
England will lead the UK’s bid, with Mark Bullingham, the Football Association’s CEO, saying in March that the success of the Women’s Euros in 2022 had proven the UK’s credentials.
“Hosting the Fifa Women’s World Cup in 2035 would be an honour,” Bullingham said. “We strongly believe that we could organise a fantastic tournament, building on the success of the Uefa Women’s Euro 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.”
