The FA, Irish FA, Scottish FA and FA of Wales have officially submitted their joint bid for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2035.
The tournament would be the largest single-sport event ever staged in the UK, and the first FIFA World Cup hosted in the country since 1966.
The bid includes 22 proposed stadiums – 16 in England, three in Wales, two in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland – across 16 host cities. With 63 million people living within two hours of a proposed venue, it would be the most accessible tournament ever.
The tournament promises to be a celebration across every part of our nations – an event that brings communities together and welcomes the world. With 4.5 million ticket sales and a projected global TV audience of 3.5 billion, the tournament would captivate fans at home and globally.
The bid is built on the powerful vision of “All Together” – a rallying cry for women’s football and sport more broadly to empower worldwide.
Joint statement from the CEOs of The FA, Irish FA, Scottish FA and FA of Wales:
“Hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup would be a huge privilege for our four home nations. If we are successful, the 2035 tournament will be the biggest single-sport event held on UK soil with 4.5 million tickets available for fans.
“We are proud of the growth that we’ve driven in recent years across the women’s and girls’ game, but there is still so much more growth to come, and this event will play a key role in helping us deliver that. Working together with FIFA, a Women’s World Cup in the UK has the power to turbo charge the women’s and girls’ game both in the UK and globally. Our bid also demonstrates our commitment to leaving a lasting legacy, in the run up to 2035, and the years afterwards.
“Together, we want to welcome the world to the UK to celebrate and enjoy an unforgettable tournament.”
Statement from the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer:
“Our bid to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup shows the UK’s passion for football.
“The Lionesses’ success has inspired girls across our country, and we’ll build on that momentum by welcoming millions of football fans from around the world to a tournament that will benefit communities and businesses in host cities up and down the UK.
“With record investment in school sport and grassroots facilities through our Plan for Change, we’re creating opportunities for girls to play for their national team.”
A UK Sport spokesperson said:
“We are extremely proud to have worked closely with key partners to build the best possible bid for the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup – the largest single-sporting event that the UK is yet to host.
"Since announcing the UK's intention to bid in March, we have been working hard to co-ordinate activity across 16 host cities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. All of these cities have the passion, experience and infrastructure required to deliver a tournament which reaches, unites and inspires people in every corner of our nation.
“Nothing brings our country together like major sporting events and we believe we have submitted a bid that will deliver a memorable tournament which leaves a tangible and significant economic and social impact on host towns and cities and a lasting legacy for women’s sport in our country.
“The UK has a strong track record of hosting the biggest events in women’s sport and we believe this bid provides a fitting platform for the next chapter of its rapid growth.”
The 22 proposed stadiums offer a blend of heritage, cutting-edge innovation and elite operational excellence that will be ready to deliver exceptional FIFA-compliant facilities. The 16 host cities provide a network of extensive infrastructure, ample accommodation, efficient transportation and culture.
The tournament would involve 104 matches contested by 48 teams over 39 days, with 48 team base camp training sites, 82 venue-specific training sites and 32 FIFA Fan Festival Sites proposed.
Passionate fans, strong media reach and innovative digital engagement not only ensure that this would be a successful tournament, but also provide a transformational commercial opportunity for global growth and reinvestment in the women’s game for the benefit of the wider FIFA family.
The four nations are committed to leaving a lasting legacy that will be delivered via three key pillars:
- Participation: Increase access locally and worldwide, focusing on under-represented communities;
- Leadership: Empower women in leadership; double female officials by 2035; and deliver global mentoring and education programmes;
- Commercial growth: Transform the game’s commercial potential; attract new fans and partners; and reinvest revenues into grassroots and elite pathways.