UK national football associations submit joint bid for FIFA Women's World Cup 2035
The FA, Irish FA, Scottish FA and FA of Wales have officially submitted their joint bid for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2035.
The tournament would be the largest single-sport event ever staged in the UK, and the first FIFA World Cup hosted in the country since 1966.
The bid includes 22 proposed stadiums – 16 in England, three in Wales, two in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland – across 16 host cities. With 63 million people living within two hours of a proposed venue, it would be the most accessible tournament ever.
The tournament promises to be a celebration across every part of our nations – an event that brings
communities together and welcomes the world. With 4.5 million ticket sales and a projected global TV audience of 3.5 billion, the tournament would captivate fans at home and globally.
The bid is built on the powerful vision of “All Together” – a rallying cry for women’s football and sport
more broadly to empower worldwide.
Joint statement from the CEOs of The FA, Irish FA, Scottish FA and FA of Wales: “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.”
Statement from the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer:
“Our bid to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup shows the UK’s passion for football.
“The Lionesses’ success has inspired girls across our country, and we’ll build on that momentum by
welcoming millions of football fans from around the world to a tournament that will benefit communities and businesses in host cities up and down the UK.
“With significant investment in school sport and grassroots facilities through our Plan for Change,
we’re creating opportunities for girls to play for their national team.”
Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “We’re immensely proud to join partners across the UK in supporting this truly historic bid for the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup™. Few cities anywhere in the world can match Glasgow’s pedigree when it comes to hosting global sporting events. And our passion for football, in every corner of the city, is unmatched.
“The growth of women’s football has been extraordinary, and the positive momentum behind the game has never been stronger. Becoming a host city would provide the opportunity to propel that movement even further, inspiring the next generation of girls and women to see their place on the pitch and in sport.
“As one of the world’s great footballing destinations and home to Hampden, Scotland’s iconic national stadium, Glasgow has the infrastructure, the experience and, above all, the people to help deliver the biggest single-sport event the UK has ever seen. Visitors from around the globe would be welcomed with the warmth, hospitality, and spirit our city is famous for, while local fans would ensure an unrivalled atmosphere worthy of the world stage.
“This bid is about far more than football. It is a national celebration of culture, community and inclusion, and Glasgow stands ready to play its part in delivering the most inspiring and inclusive FIFA Women’s World Cup ever.”
Proposed stadiums and host cities:
• Belfast – Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park
• Birmingham – Sports Quarter Stadium and Villa Park
• Brighton & Hove – American Express Stadium
• Bristol – Ashton Gate
• Cardiff – Cardiff City Stadium and Principality Stadium
• Edinburgh – Easter Road
• Glasgow – Hampden Park
• Leeds – Elland Road
• Liverpool – Hill Dickinson Stadium
• London – Chelsea FC Stadium, Emirates Stadium, Selhurst Park, Tottenham Hotspur
Stadium and Wembley Stadium connected by EE
• Manchester – Etihad Stadium
• Newcastle – St James’ Park
• Nottingham – City Ground
• Sunderland – Stadium of Light
• Trafford – Old Trafford
• Wrexham – STōK Racecourse