UK bids to host 2035 Women’s World Cup
The UK looks set to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup after the FA launched an unopposed bid, reports BritPanorama.
The English FA, Irish FA, Scottish FA, and FA of Wales have submitted a joint bid for the tournament, which would mark the largest single-sport event ever staged in the UK and the first FIFA World Cup hosted in the country since 1966.
The proposal outlines 22 potential stadiums across 16 host cities, including significant venues in England, three in Wales, two in Scotland, and one in Northern Ireland.
Notably, the competition is projected to be the most accessible tournament in history, with an estimated 63 million people living within a two-hour journey of a proposed venue. It is built around the empowering vision of “All Together,” aiming to highlight the importance of women’s football and sports in general.
Prime Minister has expressed support for the bid, emphasising the UK’s enthusiasm for football and its cultural significance. “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,” said Sir Keir Starmer. He also highlighted the government’s investment in grassroots sports, which aims to open opportunities for young female athletes.
This competition is poised to be eight times larger than Euro 2022, which was also hosted in England. Manchester United’s proposed 100,000-seater stadium is among the venues included in the bid, even though construction has not yet begun.
The deadline for bid submissions is today, with the UK currently standing as the sole bidder. The successful bid will be announced at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, on April 30.
As anticipation grows, this bid signifies more than just a tournament; it reflects an evolving landscape of women’s sports in the UK, showcasing ambition amid societal shifts toward equality in athletics.
