
UK submits unopposed bid to host 2035 Women's World Cup
UK submits unopposed bid to host 2035 Women's World Cup
- The UK has submitted a joint bid to host the 2035 Women's World Cup without facing any competition.
- Wembley Stadium is the preferred venue for the final, sidelining plans for Manchester United's new stadium.
- The tournament is expected to significantly boost the women's game and promote greater participation.
Story
The United Kingdom is preparing to host the 2035 Women's World Cup, marking a significant event as it will be the first Women's World Cup held in the UK. This bid, which went unopposed, follows a successful hosting of the women's European Championship in 2022, where the England team emerged victorious. As part of the bid process, the UK has proposed 22 stadiums for potential matches, although only 16 will be selected by FIFA if the bid is accepted. Notably, Wembley Stadium is favoured by the Football Association for the final match, while other possible venues include the new proposed Manchester United stadium. The UK's joint bid encompasses the nations of Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, highlighting a collaborative effort to promote women's football across the region. The FA has committed to presenting a strong case for the tournament, which is expected to attract a large number of fans, with up to 4.5 million tickets available. The 2035 Women's World Cup is anticipated to be significantly larger than previous tournaments, positioning the UK as a leader in women's sports on a global scale. The timeline for the tournament will see FIFA conducting evaluations of all submitted bids in the first half of next year, with the winning bids for both 2031 and 2035 expected to be announced at the 76th FIFA Congress in April 2026. The growth of women’s football has been remarkable in recent years, with factors such as increased visibility, investment, and grassroots initiatives contributing to its rising popularity. This tournament is viewed as a pivotal opportunity to further enhance the women’s and girls’ game, both in the UK and internationally. As preparations continue, the emphasis is placed on ensuring that existing venues and upcoming projects, such as the proposed 100,000-capacity stadium by Manchester United, can accommodate the burgeoning interest in women's sports. Overall, the successful hosting of the Women's World Cup in the UK would represent a significant milestone in the history of women's football, providing a platform for future generations to strive for excellence in the sport.