UK Set to Host 2035 Women's World Cup as FIFA Reveals Hosting Plans

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced plans to expand the Women's World Cup from 32 teams to 48 teams by 2031, with the UK set to host the 2035 tournament.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced on Thursday that the United Kingdom is set to host the 2035 Women's World Cup, while the United States is the sole bidder for the 2031 tournament. Speaking at the UEFA Congress in Belgrade, Infantino revealed that the only bid for 2031 was “from the USA and potentially some other CONCACAF members together, and '35 is from Europe, from the home nations.”

Infantino's announcement confirmed that the UK will host its first-ever Women's World Cup in 2035, with a joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. England FA CEO Mark Bullingham expressed his excitement about the opportunity, saying, “We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the Women's World Cup 2035. Hosting the first FIFA World Cup since 1966 with our home nations partners will be very special. The hard work starts now, to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year.”

The UK looks almost certain to host the 2035 Women's World Cup after FIFA president Gianni Infantino described its interest as the "one valid bid" for those finals 🏆 pic.twitter.com/OIeJggZnTH

— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) April 3, 2025

The UK's 2035 project has already gained support from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and it's expected to pave the way for the men's team to host a subsequent edition of the World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced plans to expand the Women's World Cup from 32 teams to 48 teams in time for the 2031 tournament. This expansion is part of FIFA's efforts to grow the women's game and increase participation.

"Exciting news!" 📢

Sarina Wiegman and Leah Williamson react to the UK almost certainly hosting the 2035 Women's World Cup as the sole bidder for the tournament 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/m0FLBG33Qm

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 3, 2025

The announcement comes on the heels of a joint expression of interest from the football associations of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to host the tournament. FIFA had previously indicated that it would only consider bids from Europe or Africa for the 2035 Women's World Cup, with the host set to be confirmed at a FIFA Congress in 2026.

The United States, who are co-hosting the 2026 men's World Cup with Mexico and Canada, has confirmed its intention to bid for the 2031 Women's World Cup. Other potential bidders, including South Africa and Morocco, appear to be out of the running following Infantino's comments.

The next Women's World Cup is scheduled to take place in Brazil in 2027. FIFA's plans to expand the tournament and increase participation are expected to continue growing the women's game in the coming years.