During the UEFA Congress held in Belgrade, FIFA President Gianni Infantino made a significant announcement regarding the future of women’s football. He declared that the United Kingdom had presented the only ‘valid’ bid for hosting the 2035 Women’s World Cup. This exciting development comes in light of the joint expression of interest filed by the national football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, setting the stage for a cooperative effort to bring the prestigious tournament to the islands.
Infantino’s remarks shed light on the competitive landscape for upcoming World Cup events, specifically noting that the United States has put forth the sole bid for the 2031 Women’s World Cup. He referenced potential collaboration with other members of the CONCACAF region, highlighting a growing interest in hosting events with a focus on enhancing the women’s game in North America. His statement was clear: “We can also confirm that as part of the bidding process we received one bid for 2031 and one bid, valid bid I should add, for 2035,” reinforcing the validity of these bids as part of FIFA’s ongoing efforts to promote women’s football globally.
Further clarifying the regional implications, Infantino mentioned, “The 2031 bid is from the United States of America and potentially some other CONCACAF members together.” Such collaboration could pave the way for not just a celebration of the sport but also for fostering stronger ties within the regional footballing community. Meanwhile, he stressed that the 2035 bid is distinctly from Europe, specifically from The Home Nations, which collectively showcase a rich history of football culture.
As the footballing world anticipates the upcoming competitions, the hosting of the next Women’s World Cup is scheduled for 2027 in Brazil. This event will occur four years after the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which is set to be held in Australia and New Zealand. With Brazil stepping up to host, the anticipation around the tournament continues to grow, celebrating women’s football on a global stage.
Infantino’s announcement further solidifies the United Kingdom’s bid for 2035, indicating that it will be uncontested when it comes time for the final decision at next year’s FIFA Congress. This unopposed status is a remarkable achievement for the UK, underscoring the nation’s commitment to the women’s game. Recently, Spain claimed victory in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, defeating England 1-0 in the final match held in Sydney, a significant achievement that echoes the competitive spirit of women’s football.
Backing this significant bid is UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has publicly lent his support to the initiative. He articulated the cultural importance of football in the UK, stating, “Football is and always will be at the core of our country’s identity.” His words portray the sport as a unifying force within communities across the nation, whether through viewing, playing, or enjoying the communal atmosphere during matches.
Starmer continued to highlight the impact of hosting major tournaments, recalling the pride displayed when England hosted the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. He remarked on the inspirational effect such events have on the nation’s youth, particularly young girls, and their budding interest in football. He expressed hope and optimism that hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035 would mark another significant milestone in the UK’s sporting history, fostering not only growth in the sport but also leaving a meaningful legacy for future generations.
In summation, as the nations rally behind the 2035 bid, the collaboration of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales stands to bring an exciting chapter to the world of women’s football, with government backing further enriching this endeavor. Fans and stakeholders alike eagerly anticipate the decisions that will shape the future of this beautiful game. For more insights and updates, the streaming service discovery+ offers fans in the UK access to TNT Sports alongside various entertainment options, allowing them to stay connected to the dynamic world of sports.