England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales have announced a joint bid to host 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
This announcement could see Great Britain play host to two major footballing tournaments in the space of seven years, after they won the rights to host the 2028 UEFA Men’s Euros.
UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer has pledged his support to the bid which is currently at the ‘expression of interest’ stage with FIFA, meaning that there will be further discussions before a formal official bid is lodged in the autumn.
Explaining his decision to support the bid, Starmer spoke of the importance of community and unity that football can achieve, as evidenced by the Women’s Euro success in 2022 on home soil.
“Football is and always will be at the core of our country’s identity. Whether we watch on TV, play at the weekends like I do, or simply enjoy soaking up the atmosphere in the pub, it brings communities together like little else.
“That pride was on full display when England hosted UEFA Women’s EURO 2022. It not only showed the best of our nation to the world but inspired a generation of girls into the game, all whilst boosting the economy.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035 on home turf would be another monumental moment in our sporting history, driving growth and leaving a lasting legacy. The FAs’ intention to bid has my government’s full support.”
England FA CEO, Mark Bullingham added that the bid would build upon “… the success of the UEFA Women’s EURO in 2022 and the subsequent rapid growth of the women’s game in England.”
Irish, Scottish and Welsh Football Associations view this bid as a chance to “accelerate” the women’s game grown across the UK, as explained by Scottish FA CEO, Ian Maxwell with participation numbers on the rise in all five home nations.
UK Sport CEO, Sally Munday also pledged the government agency’s support in finally seeking to secure hosting rights to the tournament, having previously hosted the men’s edition in 1966 which culminated in home glory.
“We know that live sport excites, inspires and changes lives and the FIFA Women’s World Cup represents the pinnacle for women’s football.
“It’s the biggest global sporting event that the UK has never hosted, and we’ve made no secret of our ambition to bring the FIFA Women’s World Cup to the UK.
“We are excited to explore how we can make this ambition a reality alongside our partners.”
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