- England are said to be leading the bid, but could face opposition from Africa
- United’s new stadium would likely be completed well in advance of tournament
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The United Kingdom have received a major boost in their bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.
It was unclear if the country would face opposition from other European bidders, especially after Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium had lodged a joint bid to host the 2027 edition, which was awarded to Brazil.
According to The Times, however, Germany are concentrating on a bid to host the 2029 Women’s European Championship, but senior officials are said to be of the belief that the UK will stand alone in the 2035 bidding in terms of countries from Europe.
According to bidding rules announced by FIFA last week, only countries from UEFA and CAF – the Confederation of African Football – will be considered as potential hosts for 2035.
The UK standing alone from Europe would, therefore, increase their chances of hosting, with it reported that South Africa are potential rivals, with ready-made stadiums used for the 2010 men’s World Cup already in place.
CAF nations are, however, also eligible to bid to host the 2031 World Cup, which, if they were successful, would mean they could not host 2035, paving a straightforward path for the UK to host.
The UK have reportedly faced a major boost in their bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup
They are set to be the only European country to bid, though could face opposition from Africa
Manchester United’s new stadium could be ready to host matches at the tournament
It is suggested that any bid would be led by England, but matches would also be held in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
No plan has been put forward as of yet in terms of specific venues, but a potential new Manchester United stadium, which the club have said could hold up to 100,000 fans, would be in the running.
All plans have to be put forward by the end of the month, and it is understood that the UK also has an advantage due to its ability to fill stadiums and drive up ticket sales.
In Northern Ireland, Windsor Park would likely be used, expanding the 18,500-capacity stadium to 20,000 to meet the minimum requirements after it was rejected as a potential destination for the 2028 men’s Euros due to its size.
Spain are the current world champions, beating England in Australia in 2023.
