The football world is abuzz with exciting news regarding the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as the home nations—namely England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland—have officially submitted a joint bid to host this prestigious event. If successful, this remarkable tournament will take place across various vibrant cities including Belfast, Brighton, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Manchester, Sunderland, and Wrexham, among others. This would mark a significant milestone as it would be the first World Cup held in the United Kingdom since the iconic men’s World Cup in 1966. The bid is anticipated to be a landmark achievement, projected to be the largest single-sport event ever hosted in the UK.
In total, the football associations of the four home nations have suggested an impressive list of 22 stadiums that could potentially host matches throughout the tournament. According to estimates from the tournament’s organizers, the World Cup could generate a staggering 4.5 million ticket sales and attract an astonishing global television audience of around 3.5 billion viewers. This level of engagement underscores the growing popularity and reach of women’s football on the global stage.
With 48 teams set to compete, the tournament will consist of a substantial number of matches—104 in total—spanning across 39 days of thrilling football action. In addition to match venues, the UK bid proposes to provide 82 venue-specific training sites and 32 FIFA Fan Festival Sites, offering ample opportunities for fans and teams to engage in the festivities surrounding the World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, speaking earlier this year, expressed confidence in the UK’s joint bid, asserting that it is the only valid bid for the 2035 World Cup. At the UEFA Congress held in Belgrade, Infantino remarked: “We received one bid for 2031 and one bid—one valid bid, I should add—for 2035. The 2035 bid is from Europe, from the home nations.” This highlights the unique position that the UK holds within the footballing community and its commitment to growing the women’s game.
The excitement surrounding this bid is reflected in the comments made by key figures within the footballing community. The CEOs of the home nations’ football associations conveyed their pride regarding the advancements made in women’s and girls’ football in recent years, stating that a Women’s World Cup hosted in the UK would serve to significantly amplify the profile and growth of the game, both domestically and on an international scale.
Moreover, England manager Sarina Wiegman emphasized the profound impact previous tournaments, such as the Women’s Euros, have had on the sports landscape. She noted that the momentum generated during these events could catapult the game to unfathomable heights once more, remarking that another prestigious tournament would undoubtedly yield further benefits for the sport.
Leah Williamson, the captain of the England women’s team, shared her enthusiasm for the potential of hosting the tournament, reflecting on the unique experiences of a home tournament firsthand. Williamson believes that the success of the 2022 tournament will influence stories and experiences, enriching the narrative of women’s football as the bid unfolds.
The proposed venues for the 2035 Women’s World Cup paint an exciting picture of a competition that promises to attract attention from all corners of the globe. Notable stadiums include:
– Belfast: The Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park
– Birmingham: The Sports Quarter Stadium and Villa Park
– Brighton & Hove: The American Express Stadium
– Bristol: Ashton Gate
– Cardiff: Cardiff City Stadium and Principality Stadium
– Edinburgh: Easter Road
– Glasgow: Hampden Park
– Leeds: Elland Road
– Liverpool: The Hill Dickinson Stadium
– London: Stamford Bridge, Emirates Stadium, Selhurst Park, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Wembley Stadium
– Manchester: Etihad Stadium
– Trafford: Old Trafford
– Newcastle: St James’ Park
– Nottingham: The City Ground
– Sunderland: Stadium of Light
– Wrexham: SToK Racecourse
As the anticipation builds for this potential World Cup, it’s clear that the home nations are eager to showcase their commitment to women’s football and to host an event that will be remembered for generations to come. With passionate advocacy from players, coaches, and administrators, the hopes for a successful bid are undeniably high. The prospect of the world’s best female footballers gracing the pitches of the UK in 2035 is an exhilarating dream for fans and players alike.
