FIFA’s President Gianni Infantino confirms the UK’s bid, highlighting a singular opportunity for the home nations to host the prestigious tournament for a second time.
**UK to Host 2035 Women’s World Cup as Sole Contender**
**UK to Host 2035 Women’s World Cup as Sole Contender**
The United Kingdom emerges as the only valid candidate for the 2035 Women's World Cup, signaling a commitment to advancing women's football on a global stage.
The United Kingdom is poised to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup as the only "valid" bid submitted, according to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. In March, England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland joined forces to file a joint expression of interest, aiming to bring the tournament to the home nations. FIFA's rotation rules stipulate that the championship must take place in Europe or Africa, which further solidifies the UK’s position.
Amid earlier discussions of a potential joint bid from Spain and Portugal, the deadline for proposal submissions passed on Monday, leaving the UK as the sole contender for the upcoming tournament. Infantino remarked at a UEFA congress in Belgrade, "Today I can confirm as part of the bidding process that we received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035." He elaborated further, stating, "The 2031 bid is from the United States, while the 2035 bid comes from Europe’s home nations." This development not only marks a significant opportunity for the UK but also plays a role in the broader enhancement of women's football internationally.
FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham expressed enthusiasm regarding the UK’s unique position, stating, "We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2035." He emphasized that preparations would soon commence to craft an exceptional bid, with formal proposals due this winter. The final decision on host nations will take place during a FIFA congress in 2026.
In related news, Infantino announced that the 2031 Women’s World Cup would expand to include 48 teams, a jump from the 32-team format adopted in 2027. If the UK’s bid is validated, the 2035 Women’s World Cup will notably be only the second iteration of the tournament held in the home nations, following the 1966 men's World Cup in England.
Amid earlier discussions of a potential joint bid from Spain and Portugal, the deadline for proposal submissions passed on Monday, leaving the UK as the sole contender for the upcoming tournament. Infantino remarked at a UEFA congress in Belgrade, "Today I can confirm as part of the bidding process that we received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035." He elaborated further, stating, "The 2031 bid is from the United States, while the 2035 bid comes from Europe’s home nations." This development not only marks a significant opportunity for the UK but also plays a role in the broader enhancement of women's football internationally.
FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham expressed enthusiasm regarding the UK’s unique position, stating, "We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2035." He emphasized that preparations would soon commence to craft an exceptional bid, with formal proposals due this winter. The final decision on host nations will take place during a FIFA congress in 2026.
In related news, Infantino announced that the 2031 Women’s World Cup would expand to include 48 teams, a jump from the 32-team format adopted in 2027. If the UK’s bid is validated, the 2035 Women’s World Cup will notably be only the second iteration of the tournament held in the home nations, following the 1966 men's World Cup in England.
