Wales has teamed up with England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to submit a joint bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup. The announcement was made during a FIFA council meeting, outlining the bidding processes for both the 2031 and 2035 tournaments. The United Kingdom, last hosting a women’s tournament in 2022 for the European Championships, is eager to bring the prestigious competition back to its shores.
The Football Associations of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland have expressed their excitement at the prospect of co-hosting the Women’s World Cup. Noel Mooney, the CEO of the Welsh FA, highlighted the growing interest and participation in women’s football in Wales. He stated, “We hope to welcome the world to Wales in 2035 to continue to build the women’s and girls’ game by playing a major role in hosting the greatest FIFA World Cup Finals ever!”
The bid has received support from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who sees the event as a significant moment for the UK. He emphasised the unifying power of football in communities and its potential to inspire future generations. The backing from the government further strengthens the bid’s chances of success. Chief executive of UK Sport, Sally Munday, echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the transformative impact of hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup on the landscape of women’s football.
The home nations are set to finalise their bid submission to FIFA by May 2025, with a decision expected in the second quarter of 2026. This collaborative effort signals a united front in advocating for women’s football and underscores the commitment to promoting diversity and equality in sports. The prospect of hosting such a prestigious event is not only a sporting endeavour but also a cultural and societal milestone for the UK.
Australia and New Zealand co-hosted the most recent Women’s World Cup in 2023, setting the stage for Spain’s victory over England in the final. The upcoming tournament in 2027 is slated to take place in Brazil, further elevating the global profile of women’s football. With the UK and Ireland already set to co-host the men’s European Championship in 2028, the region is establishing itself as a hub for major sporting events on the international stage.
The bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup represents a strategic opportunity to showcase the UK’s capabilities in organising top-tier sporting events and fostering inclusivity within the footballing community. As preparations begin in earnest for the bidding process, the participating nations are gearing up to present a compelling case for why they are the ideal hosts for this prestigious tournament. The road to securing the bid will undoubtedly be competitive, but the collective resolve and enthusiasm of the UK and its partner nations bode well for a successful outcome.
In conclusion, the joint bid by Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup marks a significant moment in the advancement of women’s football and underscores the commitment to promoting diversity and equality in sports. The bid has garnered support from key stakeholders, including the government, highlighting the widespread enthusiasm for bringing the tournament to the UK. As the bidding process unfolds, all eyes will be on the participating nations as they make their case to FIFA for the privilege of hosting one of the most prestigious events in women’s football.