- The UK is the only valid bidder for the 2035 Women’s World Cup
- The US will host the 2031 Women’s World Cup
- : The 2031 tournament will feature 48 teams
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the United Kingdom will host the 2035 Women’s World Cup, as it is the only “valid” bid received for the tournament.
In March, England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland submitted a joint expression of interest to host the World Cup across the four home nations. According to FIFA’s rotation rules, the tournament must be held in either Europe or Africa in 2035.
While Spain’s federation president, Rafael Louzan, mentioned last week that they were “working on” a joint bid with Portugal and Morocco, the deadline for expressions of interest passed on Monday. Infantino clarified that the UK’s bid is the only one received for 2035, with the United States already set to host the 2031 World Cup.
Speaking at a UEFA congress in Belgrade, Infantino said, “I can confirm that we received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035. The 2031 bid is from the United States and potentially other Concacaf members, while the 2035 bid is from Europe and the home nations.”
He added, “This sets the stage for the Women’s World Cup to be held in two fantastic nations, helping to further grow the women’s football movement.”
Mark Bullingham, the FA’s chief executive, expressed excitement, stating, “We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035. Now the hard work begins as we prepare the best possible bid for submission by the end of this year.”
Formal bids for the 2035 World Cup are due this winter, with a final vote to decide the hosts scheduled for a FIFA congress in 2026.
Infantino also confirmed that the 2031 Women’s World Cup will expand to 48 teams, up from the 32 teams that will compete in 2027.
If the UK’s bid is approved, the 2035 tournament will mark the second time a World Cup is held in the home nations, following England’s hosting of the 1966 men’s World Cup.
