UK Unveils Ambitious Bid to Host 2035 Women's Football World Cup with 15 Cities and 22 Stadiums
The UK has formally submitted its bid to host the 2035 Women's Football World Cup, which promises to be one of the largest single-sport events staged in the country. The bid brings together 15 potential host cities across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, with a total of 22 stadiums that will be whittled down to between 14 and 16.
The proposed venues include several major stadiums like the new Chelsea stadium, Manchester United's proposed stadium, and Birmingham City's stadium. The Football Association (FA) has also expressed interest in redeveloping existing stadiums, such as Stamford Bridge and Wrexham's stadium, to meet Fifa requirements.
According to Mark Bullingham, FA chief executive, the bid aims to bring together 63 million people living within two hours of a match venue, showcasing the country's most recognizable cities and stadia. The decision has been met with enthusiasm from clubs and local councils alike, which is a stark contrast to the experience England had before hosting the 2022 Women's Euros.
Ellen White, the Lionesses' record goalscorer, described the bid as "really special," drawing parallels with her Olympic experience in 2012. She highlighted the global attention and exposure that comes with hosting a World Cup event, which would be an incredible opportunity for younger generations to watch women's football and get involved.
The UK is joined by a single bidder from the United States, Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica for the 2031 tournament, while Brazil has been announced as the host country for the 2027 Women's Football World Cup. The Fifa Congress will vote on the hosts for the 2031 and 2035 tournaments in April 2026, with the UK's bid book now available online.
The UK has formally submitted its bid to host the 2035 Women's Football World Cup, which promises to be one of the largest single-sport events staged in the country. The bid brings together 15 potential host cities across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, with a total of 22 stadiums that will be whittled down to between 14 and 16.
The proposed venues include several major stadiums like the new Chelsea stadium, Manchester United's proposed stadium, and Birmingham City's stadium. The Football Association (FA) has also expressed interest in redeveloping existing stadiums, such as Stamford Bridge and Wrexham's stadium, to meet Fifa requirements.
According to Mark Bullingham, FA chief executive, the bid aims to bring together 63 million people living within two hours of a match venue, showcasing the country's most recognizable cities and stadia. The decision has been met with enthusiasm from clubs and local councils alike, which is a stark contrast to the experience England had before hosting the 2022 Women's Euros.
Ellen White, the Lionesses' record goalscorer, described the bid as "really special," drawing parallels with her Olympic experience in 2012. She highlighted the global attention and exposure that comes with hosting a World Cup event, which would be an incredible opportunity for younger generations to watch women's football and get involved.
The UK is joined by a single bidder from the United States, Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica for the 2031 tournament, while Brazil has been announced as the host country for the 2027 Women's Football World Cup. The Fifa Congress will vote on the hosts for the 2031 and 2035 tournaments in April 2026, with the UK's bid book now available online.