A major sporting bid has been formally launched, with the aim of bringing the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup to the United Kingdom. The proposal, submitted jointly by the football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, outlines plans to utilise venues across 15 cities and 22 stadiums.
The scale of the project is significant, with organisers stating it would be the largest single-sport event ever staged in the UK. A key feature of the bid is its emphasis on nationwide accessibility, with claims that approximately 63 million residents would live within a two-hour journey of a proposed match venue.
The initial list of 22 potential stadiums includes several existing major grounds, venues currently under redevelopment, and even proposed new builds for clubs such as Birmingham City and Manchester United. The final tournament plan is expected to utilise between 14 and 16 stadiums.
Officials highlighted a marked shift in enthusiasm compared to the bidding process for the 2022 UEFA Women’s EURO, which England hosted. They noted that for the upcoming World Cup bid, cities and clubs have been proactively keen to participate, a change attributed to the rapid growth and commercial appeal of the women’s game.
Former England international Ellen White, the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer, voiced strong support for the bid. She drew parallels with the experience of the London 2012 Olympics, emphasising the potential for a global event to create a unique sense of national unity and worldwide focus.
Current England midfielder Keira Walsh also endorsed the proposal, pointing to the inspirational impact a home tournament could have on future generations. She reflected on the powerful atmosphere of playing in front of home crowds during Euro 2022 and the opportunity to further engage young fans.
The UK is currently the sole bidder for the 2035 tournament. The hosting decision for both the 2031 and 2035 World Cups is scheduled to be made at the FIFA Congress in April 2026. The official bid documentation will be published for public review.