UK Set to Host the 2035 Women's World Cup as Sole Bidder

In a recent announcement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed that the United Kingdom is officially the only "valid" bidder for the 2035 Women's World Cup. This joint bid by England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland was submitted in March, shortly after the deadline for expressions of interest passed. Although Spain had been exploring a joint bid with Portugal and Morocco, Infantino stated that no other bids were received, making the UK’s bid stand out as the exclusive contender for hosting the tournament.

Under FIFA's rotation policy, the Women's World Cup is set to be hosted either in Europe or Africa, and with the United States hosting the 2031 edition, the path is clear for the UK to take the helm in 2035. "We received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035," Infantino announced during a UEFA congress in Belgrade. FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham expressed his appreciation for being the only bidder, emphasizing the hard work ahead to finalize an exemplary proposal by year’s end.

Formal bids addressing crucial logistical details must be delivered this winter, with a crucial vote determining the 2035 host taking place during a FIFA congress in 2026. Notably, Infantino also highlighted that the upcoming 2031 tournament will expand to include 48 teams, up from the current 32-team format. Should the UK's bid be ratified, it would mark the second time that a World Cup is hosted across the home nations, following the 1966 men's tournament in England.