The United Kingdom appears almost certain to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, after FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that its proposal is the "one valid bid" for the tournament.

The football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales announced last month their joint intention to host the tournament in 10 years’ time.

Although Spain’s federation president, Rafael Louzán, recently expressed an interest in submitting a joint bid with Portugal and Morocco, the deadline for initial expressions of interest passed on Monday, with Infantino indicating that the UK bid is the only one under consideration.

"We received one bid for 2031 and one bid – one valid bid, I should add – for 2035," Infantino stated at the UEFA Congress in Belgrade.

"The 2035 bid comes from Europe, from the home nations."

FA’s Response and the Road Ahead

The Football Association responded on Thursday, with CEO Mark Bullingham expressing pride at the prospect of bringing the Women’s World Cup to the UK for the first time.

"We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035. Hosting the first FIFA World Cup since 1966, alongside our home nations partners, will be incredibly special.

"The hard work starts now to submit the best possible bid by the end of the year."

Formal bids must be submitted this winter, with the final decision to be made at a FIFA Congress in 2026.

Prime Minister’s Endorsement

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has already thrown his full support behind the bid, describing a UK-hosted World Cup as a "monumental moment".

"Football is – and always will be – at the heart of our country’s identity. Whether we watch it on television, play at the weekends like I do, or simply enjoy the atmosphere in the pub, it brings communities together like few other things can.

"The pride and passion on display when England hosted UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 showed the very best of our nation. It inspired a new generation of girls to take up the game, all while boosting the economy.

"The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035, played on home soil, would be another historic moment in our sporting legacy, driving growth and leaving a lasting impact. My government gives its full backing to the FA’s bid."