UK set to host Women's World Cup in historic first as three rival nations drop out of bid

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up with the UK set to host the Women's World Cup in 2035

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 03/04/2025

- 09:25

Updated: 03/04/2025

- 10:32

Spain, Morocco and Portugal have all dropped out of the race

The UK is set to host the Women's World Cup for the first time in history, with the 2035 tournament set to take place in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Morocco, Spain and Portugal had been in the race but have now dropped out, leaving the UK as the sole frontrunner.


England are expected to have the most venues in the four-nation bid, with Wembley primed to host the final.

The UK will host the 2028 European Championships, with England previously hosting the women's Euros back in 2022.

UK Women's World Cup

The UK is set to host the Women's World Cup for the first time in history, with the 2035 tournament set to take place in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

PA

Nations had until Monday this week to submit their applications for the tournament.

The UK was the only applicant to lodge their bid on time, with Spain, Portugal and Morocco missing out.

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has said the UK's interest is the 'one valid bid' for the event.

England made the final of the last Women's World Cup, back in 2023, before losing 1-0 to Spain.

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England had previously overcome the likes of Colombia, Australia and Nigeria in the knockout stages on their route to the final.

That defeat to Spain came after the Lionesses won the Euros in 2022.

After seeing off Austria, Norway and Northern Ireland in the group stages, they proceeded to beat Spain and Sweden in the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the tournament respectively.

England then beat Germany 2-1 in the final, with Elle Toone and Chloe Kelly finding the net.

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Gianni Infantino

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has revealed the UK is set to host the 2035 Women's World Cup

PA

Only countries in Europe and Africa could bid for the 2035 tournament.

This is due to FIFA's rotation rules, with Brazil due to host the 2027 World Cup. The United States, who opted to withdraw from the bidding process for that tournament, is likely to host the 2031 event.

Earlier this month, FA chief Mark Bullingham opened up on the UK's bid.

"Hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035 would be an honour," he said.

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"We strongly believe that we could organise a fantastic tournament, building on the success of the UEFA Women’s Euros in 2022 and the subsequent rapid growth of the women’s game in England.

"We’re excited about the opportunity to welcome the world, and hosting participating nations and fans in sold-out stadiums.

"There is outstanding support for the women’s game in this country and we want to maximise this, not only for women’s and girls’ football here but also for the benefit of the global game."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also previously revealed that the Women's World Cup bid has government backing.

England Women's World Cup

England previously made the final of the Women's World Cup in 2023 before losing 1-0 to Spain in the final

PA

"Hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035 would be an honour," he said.

"We strongly believe that we could organise a fantastic tournament, building on the success of the UEFA Women’s EURO in 2022 and the subsequent rapid growth of the women’s game in England.

"We’re excited about the opportunity to welcome the world, and hosting participating nations and fans in sold-out stadiums.

"There is outstanding support for the women’s game in this country and we want to maximise this, not only for women’s and girls’ football here but also for the benefit of the global game."