UK nations plan joint bid to host 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup

The process began yesterday

A statement read: "The Football Associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will collectively submit an expression of interest to FIFA for the United Kingdom to host the Women's World Cup in 2035."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the bid had his governments full support.

He added: "Football is and always will be at the core of our country's identity.

"Whether we watch on TV, play at the weekends like I do, or simply enjoy soaking up the atmosphere in the pub, it brings communities together like little else."

A bidding timetable was announced on Wednesday, with the process beginning with the submission of a declaration of interest to FIFA.

FIFA limited the prospective 2035 hosts to only European and African nations - opening the path up for the joint UK bid.

Last year, it was revealed that the tournament could be expanded from 32 nations to 48.

England has only ever hosted the World Cup once when the men won in 1966.

However, England have hosted the women's Euros in 2022 and the men's in 2020 and have led a successful bid for the men's Euro 2034.

The Lionesses lost the 2023 World Cup final 1-0 to Spain in Sydney. This year they will look to defend their European crown in Switzerland.