The United Kingdom has officially thrown its hat into the ring to host one of the world's biggest sporting events, submitting a landmark bid for the 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup.
In an unprecedented move, the football associations of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have united to propose what would become the largest single-sport event ever staged in the UK.
A Tournament of Unprecedented Scale
The proposed tournament would be a monumental undertaking, dwarfing previous events held on British soil. It is projected to be eight times larger than the 2022 Women's Euros, which captivated the nation.
Plans involve utilising 22 stadiums across the four nations, including iconic venues such as a newly transformed Old Trafford, home of Manchester United. This scale underscores the massive growth and commercial potential now recognised in the women's game.
Government Backing and a Powerful Pledge
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has issued a powerful pledge of the government's unwavering support for the bid. Writing exclusively for the Daily Mirror, she pointed to the unforgettable scenes on The Mall this summer, where the victorious Lionesses were welcomed home by huge crowds, as evidence of the sport's soaring popularity.
Nandy celebrated the current Lionesses, the two-time European champions, as household names who have inspired a new generation. She stated that the government is '100 per cent behind' the ambitious bid, highlighting the UK's unique offering of passionate fans, world-class infrastructure, and proven expertise in hosting major events.
Building a Legacy Beyond 2035
However, the bid is about far more than a single tournament a decade from now. The government and football associations are framing it as a catalyst for another decade of profound change in women's sport.
The work to build a lasting legacy has already begun, focusing on several key areas:
- Equal access to sport in schools for all children.
- Major investment in grassroots facilities, prioritising women's and girls' teams.
- Implementing the recommendations of Karen Carney's independent review to professionalise the elite game and fix talent pathways.
As Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated in his official letter to FIFA, there is 'no limit to our ambition'. The ultimate goal is to establish the UK as the global leader in women's sport. A successful bid for the 2035 World Cup would be the centrepiece of this mission, creating a truly generational moment for football and for the nation.
