United Kingdom Launches Ambitious Joint Proposal for 2035 Womens World Cup
Officials from UK football organisations revealed on Friday the specifics of their unchallenged collaborative application to stage the 2035 Womens World Cup, including a list of 22 suggested stadiums in the formal document.
The application group described the 48-team competition as the largest single-sport occasion ever organised in the United Kingdom.
This would mark the initial World Cup on British territory since the 1966 mens tournament, which England hosted alone.
The application group stated that with 63 million residents within a two-hour journey of a suggested site, it would become the most reachable event in history.
The preliminary list features sixteen stadiums in England, three in Wales, two in Scotland, and one in Northern Ireland, spanning fifteen cities.
Organisers anticipate reducing the final selection to approximately sixteen venues.
To highlight the events scale, note that the 2022 Qatar mens World Cup utilised only eight stadiums.
The proposal awaits approval from FIFAs global football authority next year.
The leaders of the four national football bodies commented that staging the FIFA Womens World Cup would represent a tremendous honour for our nations.
Should we succeed, the 2035 competition will stand as the grandest single-sport gathering on UK ground, offering 4.5 million tickets to supporters.
We take pride in the expansion we have fostered lately in womens and girls football, yet further development lies ahead, and this occasion will significantly aid that progress.
Manchester Uniteds current Old Trafford ground appears in the list, though the application team plans to submit the clubs forthcoming stadium for FIFA review upon plan finalisation.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked that the proposal reflects the UKs deep enthusiasm for football.
The achievements of the England Lionesses have motivated girls nationwide, and we shall capitalise on that drive by hosting millions of global football enthusiasts for an event that will enrich communities and enterprises throughout the UKs host locations, he added.
Englands womens squad has secured the last two European Championships and advanced to the 2023 World Cup final.
Beginning in 2031, the Womens World Cup will involve 48 teams, an increase from 32.
Recently, authorities in the United States announced that Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica have partnered in their application for the 2031 edition.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had previously declared the United States as the only applicant.
The forthcoming Womens World Cup is set for Brazil in 2027.