England Leads Historic Bid: UK Set to Host the 2035 Women's World Cup as Sole Contender

UK Poised to Host 2035 Women's World Cup as Exclusive Bidder
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed the United Kingdom's position as the sole "valid" bidder for the 2035 Women's World Cup. A joint expression of interest was submitted by England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in March, aiming to bring the tournament across the home nations for the first time in women's football history.

FIFA Rotation Rules and Competing Bids
Under FIFA's continental rotation policy, the 2035 edition must be hosted in Europe or Africa. While Spain's football federation recently hinted at a joint bid involving Portugal and Morocco, the UK remains the only formal submission ahead of Monday's deadline. For 2031, the United States is set to host, potentially alongside other CONCACAF members.

Expanding the Tournament Scale
Infantino revealed plans to expand the Women's World Cup to 48 teams by 2031, up from 32 in 2027—a move reflecting the sport's rapid global growth. Formal bids for 2035 will undergo evaluation this winter, with the final host decision scheduled for the 2026 FIFA Congress.

A Legacy Moment for Women's Football
FA CEO Mark Bullingham emphasized the significance of the opportunity: "We are honored to lead this bid. Our focus now is crafting a proposal that elevates women's football and delivers an unforgettable experience." A successful UK bid would echo the legacy of the men's 1966 World Cup in England, further cementing the home nations' role in football history.

• Key Dates: Formal bid submission (Winter 2024), Host vote (2026 FIFA Congress)
• Tournament Growth: 48 teams (2031), Potential record-breaking viewership
• Economic Impact: Projected £500M+ boost to local economies

"This bid isn't just about matches—it's about inspiring generations and accelerating equality in sport," added Bullingham.