The FA, Irish FA, Scottish FA and FA of Wales have submitted a joint bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035, with the UK confirmed as the sole bidder for the tournament.
If selected, it would be the largest single-sport event hosted in the UK and the first FIFA World Cup held in the country since 1966.
The bid proposes 22 stadiums across 16 host cities, including venues in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Sixteen venues are located in England, with three in Wales, two in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland. According to bid documentation, 63 million people live within two hours of a proposed venue, positioning the tournament as one of the most accessible editions to date. The competition format submitted features 48 teams playing 104 matches over 39 days.
The UK currently has one of the fastest-growing women’s football markets globally, with the Women’s Super League drawing record attendances in recent seasons and significant domestic broadcast investment. The joint bid follows the UK and Ireland’s role as co-hosts of UEFA EURO 2028 for the men’s game, reflecting continued strategic interest in staging major football events.
The submission outlines 48 team base camp sites, 82 venue training sites and 32 FIFA Fan Festival locations. Several proposed stadiums are undergoing or planning redevelopment to meet FIFA technical requirements. These include Villa Park, the American Express Stadium, Etihad Stadium, Elland Road, Selhurst Park, The City Ground and the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park. Wrexham AFC’s Racecourse Ground is also being expanded, with further increases planned ahead of 2035. Chelsea’s final stadium option will depend on the outcome of its ongoing consultation process.
The bid sets out legacy aims focused on participation, workforce development and commercial growth, with commitments to widen access to football, increase opportunities for women in leadership roles and expand the game’s revenue potential.
Host cities include Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton & Hove, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sunderland, Trafford and Wrexham.
Joint statement from the CEOs of The FA, Irish FA, Scottish FA and FA of Wales, said, “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.”
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