UK to make bid to host 2035 football Women’s World Cup as PM says tournament could be ‘monumental moment’ for country
THE UK is set to make a blockbuster bid to host the 2035 football Women’s World Cup.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said holding the biggest tournament in the sport on British soil will be a “monumental moment” for the country.
England have an illustrious history with performing well at major football events held at home.
The men’s side won the World Cup in 1966 with a thrilling final win in Wembley.
Sarina Wiegman‘s women’s side took home England‘s second ever international trophy and its first ever Euros Championship when they “returned football home” in 2022.
The FA has now officially registered their interest in the upcoming 2035 Women’s World Cup with hopes of again lifting a major trophy.
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are due to collectively submit an expression of interest to FIFA for the right to host the tournament.
The FIFA Council has already recommend the 2035 competition has European or African hosts.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke on the historic bid today as he 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.”
He added that the bid will have his government’s full support.
The declaration of interest will need to be submitted to FIFA in the first quarter of 2025 before a decision is made at some point in 2026.
If the FA manage to land the lucrative deal then it will be the first ever Women’s World Cup held in Britain.
It will also be only the second time a World Cup has been held in the UK since the 1966 men’s tournament.
Several stadiums across the British Isles are expected to be used with the final set to be held at Wembley like usual.
Mark Bullingham, the CEO of the English FA, said hosting the tournament would be an honour.
He continued: “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.”
One of the biggest competitors for the British bid is expected to come from South Africa.
Simon Morton, UK Sport’s deputy chief executive, said last year: “The Women’s World Cup is the biggest sporting event that the UK has never hosted and so in that respect, it has a special appeal to us.
“There is definitely an aspiration to host it in the 2030s.”