All four of the Home Nations have announced they will join together to form a joint bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup after receiving support from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. In a statement released on Wednesday, all four nations confirmed they would be joining forces to put their proposal forward to FIFA. The world governing body of football announced their preference for the tournament to take place in either Europe or Africa, giving the UK nations a realistic chance of being selected.
Their declaration of interest will be submitted to FIFA in the first quarter of 2025. The bidding timetable was announced by FIFA this afternoon, following a FIFA Council meeting, whereby the bid will need to be submitted by the end of the fourth quarter in 2025. A decision is expected midway through 2026. Starmer, a keen football fan who supports Arsenal and has attended England matches in the past, threw his support behind the bid.
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 FAs’ intention to bid has my government’s full support.”
In addition to support from Irish FA chief Patrick Nelson, Scotland’s CEO Ian Maxwell and Wales CEO Noel Mooeny, England’s FA chief Mark Bullingham 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 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.”
While England Women have never won the World Cup, Sarina Wiegman’s team did reach the final in 2023 – only to suffer a heartbreaking defeat to Spain.
The Lionesses captured the hearts of the nation in 2022 when they beat Germany to claim their maiden European Championship crown. And with Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales all improving the quality of their respective national teams, it could prove to be a momentous occasion in a decade’s time.
