UK Set to Host the 2035 Women’s World Cup: A New Chapter for Women’s Football

The news that the United Kingdom will host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup marks a historic moment in football. After years of anticipation and growing interest in the women’s game, England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have emerged as the only bidders for the prestigious tournament.

This announcement, made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the 49th UEFA Congress in Belgrade, is set to reshape the landscape of women’s football in the coming decade.

The UK’s Bid: A Historic Milestone

The announcement of the UK hosting the 2035 Women’s World Cup is more than just a victory for the home nations; it’s a testament to the evolution of women’s football on a global scale. For the first time in history, the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be held on British soil. This marks a significant milestone, not only for the countries involved but also for the women’s game as a whole. The bid, which saw the UK put forward a united front from all four nations—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—was the only valid bid received by FIFA for the 2035 tournament. In an era where women’s football is finally receiving the attention it deserves, the announcement serves as a beacon of hope and progress for future generations.

Mark Bullingham, CEO of the English Football Association (FA), expressed his enthusiasm for the prospect of hosting the Women’s World Cup in the UK for the first time. “We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035,” Bullingham said, adding, “Hosting the first FIFA Women’s World Cup since 1966 with our home nations partners will be very special. The hard work starts now, to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year.”

The Growing Popularity of Women’s Football

The UK’s success in securing the rights to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup speaks volumes about the growth of the women’s game. From record-breaking attendance figures at the 2023 Women’s World Cup to the increasing visibility of top female players, it’s clear that the appetite for women’s football has never been greater. This growth is not just reflected in crowds and media coverage but also in the increasing investment in women’s leagues, both at the club and international level.

The rise of the England women’s national team, in particular, has been a key factor in the growing popularity of the sport. After reaching the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where they narrowly lost to Spain, England’s Lionesses have captured the hearts of football fans across the world. The team’s success in recent years, coupled with their triumph in the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro Championship, has solidified their position as one of the premier teams in the global women’s football landscape.

The USA and Mexico: Co-Hosting the 2031 Women’s World Cup

While the UK prepares to welcome the world in 2035, the 2031 Women’s World Cup will be held in the United States, with Mexico joining as a co-host. The partnership between the two nations has been officially confirmed, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino also announcing that this bid was the second valid submission for the 2031 tournament. Infantino highlighted that the bid was from the USA, with the possibility of additional support from other countries in the CONCACAF region.

The decision to grant the 2031 World Cup to the USA and Mexico reflects the growing influence of North American nations in women’s football. The United States has long been a dominant force in the women’s game, having won multiple World Cup titles, including the most recent one in 2019. Meanwhile, Mexico’s national team has shown tremendous growth and potential, making them a worthy partner in hosting the prestigious event. The 2023 Women’s World Cup, which featured teams from all corners of the globe, has proven that the sport’s popularity is continuing to rise, and having two powerhouses in the North American region hosting the competition is a step forward for global visibility and inclusivity.

A New Era for Women’s Football

The announcement of the 2035 Women’s World Cup being awarded to the UK is part of a larger movement to bring greater recognition and support to women’s football. With the 2026 Men’s World Cup set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, there’s no doubt that the global spotlight will be firmly focused on North America in the next decade. But it is the 2035 Women’s World Cup that will provide the next major milestone in the ongoing journey to elevate women’s football to the same level as its male counterpart.

This landmark moment could not come at a more opportune time. The success of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the continued growth of leagues around the world, and the ever-increasing number of young girls playing football ensure that the sport has a bright future. Hosting the competition in the UK will not only help further develop the game in the region but also inspire millions of young women to take up the sport.

The Road Ahead

While the announcement is certainly a victory, it’s only the beginning of the work that lies ahead. The English Football Association, along with the other home nations, must now put in the hard work to ensure the tournament is a resounding success. Bullingham has already expressed that the preparations are set to begin immediately, with the aim of submitting the most compelling and organized bid possible by the end of the year. From securing top-tier venues and infrastructure to engaging local communities and ensuring a seamless tournament experience, the UK’s journey to hosting the Women’s World Cup in 2035 will require meticulous planning and collaboration between all involved parties.

One of the most exciting aspects of this announcement is the opportunity to bring the tournament to a wider audience. With the UK’s rich footballing history, passionate fanbase, and world-class stadiums, the 2035 Women’s World Cup has the potential to break new records in terms of attendance, viewership, and global reach. The event promises to be a festival of football, showcasing the very best talent from around the world and further pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in women’s sport.

As England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland prepare to host this historic event, the world will be watching closely. The 2035 Women’s World Cup is not just a celebration of football; it’s a statement that the women’s game is here to stay, and it’s only going to get bigger and better in the years to come.

What This Means for Women’s Football

FIFA’s decision to award the 2035 Women’s World Cup to the UK represents much more than just an opportunity to host an international football tournament. It signifies a major step in the ongoing quest for gender equality in sports. For decades, women’s football was largely ignored, with players and teams receiving far less recognition, support, and investment than their male counterparts. Today, however, we are witnessing a seismic shift in how the sport is perceived and valued.

The UK’s hosting of the 2035 tournament will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for further progress. It will give women’s football the global stage it deserves, offering unparalleled exposure to millions of fans worldwide. And while much work remains to be done to achieve complete equality in sports, the 2035 Women’s World Cup will be a significant milestone in that journey.

In conclusion, the confirmation of the UK as hosts of the 2035 Women’s World Cup is a triumph not just for football fans but for the entire women’s sports movement. The tournament will undoubtedly be a defining moment in the history of women’s football, and it is sure to inspire a new generation of players, fans, and enthusiasts alike. As the countdown to 2035 begins, excitement is already building for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament, one that will leave an indelible mark on the sport and continue the march toward greater equality and recognition for women in football.