United Kingdom officially submit 2035 Women's World Cup bid with Belfast set to host matches
The United Kingdom have officially submitted its joint bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup which has been backed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
With the UK’s proposal the only valid bid received by FIFA for the tournament which “would be the largest single-sport event ever staged in the UK”, it’s expected official confirmation will come in an announcement next year.
Northern Ireland is set to play its part in the showpiece event with Windsor Park due to host matches alongside 16 in England, three in Wales and two in Scotland.
The south Belfast venue will require a capacity boost before the tournament kicks off – Windsor Park currently holds 18,500, but will need to be in the region of 20,000 for the World Cup.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly confirmed last month the cost of upgrading the stadium will "likely be in the tens of millions" with Stormont backing Northern Ireland’s involvement.
The tournament would involve 104 matches contested by 48 teams over 39 days.
“Hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup would be a huge privilege for our four home nations,” said the CEOs of The FA, Irish FA, Scottish FA and FA of Wales in a joint statement. “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.”
Black Friday subscription offer: Get a full year of the News Letter for just £1 a month for 12 months and unlock full access to premium reporting, insightful analysis and unlimited digital access for less than the cost of a weekly coffee.
Northern Ireland have never featured at a Women’s World Cup but would be set to gain direct entry to the 2035 tournament as a co-host.
England have won the last two European Championships and were runners-up at the 2023 World Cup, and Starmer believes hosting the major competition would help further boost the sport’s legacy at home.
"Our bid to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup shows the UK’s passion for football,” he said. “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.”