The Home Nations of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have expressed a collective interest in hosting the 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup. This bid marks a historic opportunity as it would be the first time the Women's World Cup is held on UK soil. The official declaration of their intent is scheduled for later this month, with a final decision on the hosts for the 2031 and 2035 tournaments expected by mid-2026.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has publicly supported this initiative, alongside the Football Association (FA), which has secured full government backing. The UK believes it can leverage the success of the UEFA Women's EURO 2022, which inspired a new generation of female footballers and delivered significant economic benefits, to organize an outstanding world tournament.
"Football is and always will be at the core of our country's identity."
— Sir Keir Starmer
Mark Bullingham, a prominent figure in the FA, emphasized the significance of hosting such a prestigious event in the UK. He reiterated that the legacy of hosting UEFA Women's EURO 2022 provides a solid foundation for another successful tournament.
"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."
— Mark Bullingham
While Europe and Africa have been shortlisted as potential locations for the 2035 tournament, the UK's bid stands out due to its unified approach and proven track record in hosting large-scale sporting events. The recent success at UEFA Women's EURO has not only boosted interest in women's football across the UK but also demonstrated logistical capabilities.
Simultaneously, FIFA continues to expand its global football portfolio with initiatives such as the FIFA Women's Champions Club and the Women's Club World Cup. The latter, originally slated for 2026, will now commence in 2028. This competition will feature 16 teams, with five places reserved for European clubs. It will take place every four years, although hosts for its inaugural edition remain undecided.
The continental challenges set to begin in January 2026 will further complement these efforts, with additional tournaments lined up for 2027 and 2029. These initiatives aim to foster competitiveness among women's clubs worldwide, enhancing visibility and support for women's football globally.
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