Could football be coming home again?! UK launches bid to host 2035 Women's World Cup

The Football Associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have joined forces and launch a bid to host the showpiece in a decade's time. The FIFA Council has recommended the tournament be held in Europe or Africa, offering hope that the UK could host the women's edition of the tournament for the very first time.

The next Women's World Cup in 2027 is due to be held in Brazil, while the 2031 tournament is expected to go to the United States, according to The Times. England will then be hoping to be confirmed as the next hosts but may face competition from South Africa, who pulled out of the bidding for 2027.

FA chief Mark Bullingham says it will be an honour to be the hosts: "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."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also hoping the UK can host the Women's World Cup: “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."

Formal bids will need to be made before the end of the year and a vote on the hosts will then be taken in 2026. In the meantime, England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland are set to host Euro 2028 which will be held across 10 venues.