The United Kingdom is poised to host the 2035 Women's World Cup after being recognized as the only valid bidder for the tournament by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland joined forces in March to express their interest in hosting the event across the home nations. According to FIFA's rotation rules, the World Cup must be hosted in either Europe or Africa.
Recently, Spain's football federation president, Rafael Louzan, mentioned efforts to form a joint bid with Portugal and Morocco; however, the deadline for such expressions passed on Monday. Infantino announced at a UEFA congress in Belgrade that the UK's bid remains the only proposal received for 2035, alongside a confirmed US bid for the 2031 edition.
Infantino stated, "Today I can confirm as part of the bidding process that we received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035." He emphasized that the upcoming tournaments are essential for advancing women's football globally, noting, "So the path is there for the Women's World Cup in 2031 and 2035 to take place in some great nations and further boost the women’s football movement."
Mark Bullingham, FA chief executive, expressed pride in being the sole bidder, saying, "We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035." He added that efforts would now focus on crafting the strongest possible bid by year-end.
Formal submissions for the 2035 World Cup are due this winter, with the host announcement set for a FIFA congress in 2026. Additionally, Infantino confirmed that the 2031 Women's World Cup will expand to 48 teams, up from 32 expected for 2027. Should the UK's bid be confirmed, it would mark the second World Cup held in the home nations, the last being the men's tournament in England in 1966.
Recently, Spain's football federation president, Rafael Louzan, mentioned efforts to form a joint bid with Portugal and Morocco; however, the deadline for such expressions passed on Monday. Infantino announced at a UEFA congress in Belgrade that the UK's bid remains the only proposal received for 2035, alongside a confirmed US bid for the 2031 edition.
Infantino stated, "Today I can confirm as part of the bidding process that we received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035." He emphasized that the upcoming tournaments are essential for advancing women's football globally, noting, "So the path is there for the Women's World Cup in 2031 and 2035 to take place in some great nations and further boost the women’s football movement."
Mark Bullingham, FA chief executive, expressed pride in being the sole bidder, saying, "We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035." He added that efforts would now focus on crafting the strongest possible bid by year-end.
Formal submissions for the 2035 World Cup are due this winter, with the host announcement set for a FIFA congress in 2026. Additionally, Infantino confirmed that the 2031 Women's World Cup will expand to 48 teams, up from 32 expected for 2027. Should the UK's bid be confirmed, it would mark the second World Cup held in the home nations, the last being the men's tournament in England in 1966.
