United Kingdom set to host 2035 Women’s World Cup
After the Home Nations made the singular “valid bid” to host the tournament, it appears the Women’s World Cup will be coming to the UK in 2035. Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, confirmed that the expression of interest given by the home nations was the only viable one being considered.
According to FIFA rotation regulations, the 2035 World Cup would have to take place in either a European or African country. While Spain had indicated potential involvement, proposing a joint World Cup with Portugal and Morocco, Infantino confirmed the UK’s interest as the sole contender at the UEFA Congress that took place in early April of this year.
The proposal must be finalised by November of this year
The deadline for expressing initial interest was the March 31st, and Rafael Louzan, the president of the Spanish federation, only announced the intention of a bid, suggesting that the combined Iberian nations have missed the date for consideration.
Mark Bullingham, CEO of the English Football Association, expressed his enthusiasm in the result, noting that “hosting the first FIFA World Cup since 1966 with our home nations partners will be very special.”
Announcements from other home nations on track to support the UK Women’s World Cup in ten years’ time highlighted the importance of inspiring a new generation preceding the tournament.
Noel Mooney of the Welsh FA stated: “With our first ever participation in a Women’s Euro’s coming up this summer… we are on an incredible journey so we must make the most of this to inspire the next generation of players, volunteers and supporters.” Wales made history last year, securing a spot at the upcoming UEFA Women’s Euros after a tense 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland.
The proposal must be finalised by November of this year, and voting in favour or against the bid will occur in mid-2026 at the FIFA Congress. The UK could run uncontested as the only current valid bid announced, announced as the only current valid bid, mirroring Saudi Arabia’s proposal in December to host the 2034 men’s World Cup. All that is left is to pass the standard FIFA country checks.
In the rest of his statement, Infantino further confirmed Brazil as the next Women’s World Cup host, the first ever in a South American country, taking place in 2027. The following host could potentially be the United States, likely alongside some Concacaf nations, with a staggering 48 teams set to compete – 16 more than in Brazil.
The last time England hosted a World Cup was 1966
When asked about the expansion, Sarina Weigman, the current England manager said: “Before the 2023 World Cup I said, ‘I’m not sure, are we ready?’ But that World Cup really showed that more teams there made it even more competitive.”
The last time England hosted a World Cup was 1966, when the men’s side claimed victory on home soil. “We know with the experience of the Euros how big the game is already here and what that momentum did here in the country,” says Weigman. “…Another tournament on an even bigger stage would be incredible.”
Leah Williamson, current England captain, also commented on the importance of a Women’s World Cup in the UK: “Having experienced the home tournament, which we all realised at the time how lucky we were, I think it’s exciting news for players to know that potentially that’s on the horizon.”
When asked if the prospect of a home World Cup could keep her playing for another ten years, Williamson responded “Stranger things have happened! Who knows?” By the time of the 2035 Women’s World Cup, many of the current much-loved Lionesses squad will very likely have retired, allowing a new generation to take to football’s biggest stage.
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