UK City-County Alliance Makes Historic Bid to Host 2035 Women's Football World Cup
In a move that promises to bring together the nation, the UK has formally submitted its bid to host the 2035 Women's Football World Cup, with a whopping 22 potential stadiums and 15 cities on board. The ambitious plan aims to provide world-class footballing facilities, not just for the tournament but also to boost local economies.
England's Lionesses' star player Ellen White described the bid as "really special," drawing comparisons to her experience at the 2012 Olympics as part of Team GB. For White and millions more Britons, hosting a World Cup promises exposure on an unprecedented scale, fostering global recognition and cultural exchange.
The proposed host cities are spread across England (16 venues), Wales (3), Scotland (2), and Northern Ireland (1). Notably, some prominent football clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea have included their potential stadiums in the bid. Existing iconic stadia such as Stamford Bridge and Wrexham's stadium also feature, with redevelopment plans to make them meet FIFA requirements.
According to Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham, the sheer geographic spread of potential host cities will benefit a staggering 63 million people, bringing together communities from across Britain. By including some stadiums that have yet to be built, the UK is making a bold statement about its commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure in time for the tournament.
What's striking, however, is the stark contrast between this bid and England's experience with Euro 2022, where convincing several cities and stadia took more persuasion. Bullingham attributes this newfound enthusiasm to the growing popularity of women's football, noting that clubs and local councils have been eager to be part of the 2035 World Cup from the get-go.
With the UK joining an elite group of bidders for the 2031 tournament – a unique single-bid submitted by the United States, Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica – the stage is set for a fierce competition. FIFA will release its bid book in full on Friday, paving the way for votes at the Fifa Congress in Vancouver on April 30, 2026.
As the countdown to the 2035 Women's Football World Cup begins, the UK's bold bid promises an exciting chapter in British football history – one that brings nations together and showcases the country's vibrant sporting spirit.
In a move that promises to bring together the nation, the UK has formally submitted its bid to host the 2035 Women's Football World Cup, with a whopping 22 potential stadiums and 15 cities on board. The ambitious plan aims to provide world-class footballing facilities, not just for the tournament but also to boost local economies.
England's Lionesses' star player Ellen White described the bid as "really special," drawing comparisons to her experience at the 2012 Olympics as part of Team GB. For White and millions more Britons, hosting a World Cup promises exposure on an unprecedented scale, fostering global recognition and cultural exchange.
The proposed host cities are spread across England (16 venues), Wales (3), Scotland (2), and Northern Ireland (1). Notably, some prominent football clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea have included their potential stadiums in the bid. Existing iconic stadia such as Stamford Bridge and Wrexham's stadium also feature, with redevelopment plans to make them meet FIFA requirements.
According to Football Association CEO Mark Bullingham, the sheer geographic spread of potential host cities will benefit a staggering 63 million people, bringing together communities from across Britain. By including some stadiums that have yet to be built, the UK is making a bold statement about its commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure in time for the tournament.
What's striking, however, is the stark contrast between this bid and England's experience with Euro 2022, where convincing several cities and stadia took more persuasion. Bullingham attributes this newfound enthusiasm to the growing popularity of women's football, noting that clubs and local councils have been eager to be part of the 2035 World Cup from the get-go.
With the UK joining an elite group of bidders for the 2031 tournament – a unique single-bid submitted by the United States, Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica – the stage is set for a fierce competition. FIFA will release its bid book in full on Friday, paving the way for votes at the Fifa Congress in Vancouver on April 30, 2026.
As the countdown to the 2035 Women's Football World Cup begins, the UK's bold bid promises an exciting chapter in British football history – one that brings nations together and showcases the country's vibrant sporting spirit.