The home nations are to join together in a bid to host the Women’s World Cup in 2035, a move which, if successful, would mark a “monumental moment in our nation’s sporting history”, according to Keir Starmer, the prime minister.

A formal expression of interest in staging the tournament, which could be comprised of as many as 48 teams, is to be submitted to Fifa this month on behalf of the football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the governing bodies have confirmed.

On Wednesday a meeting of the Fifa Council ruled that the Women’s World Cup in 2035 would be awarded to member associations affiliated either to Caf, the confederation of African football, or Uefa. The home nations believe that collaboration and a strong track record will give them a fighting chance of securing the UK its first major global football tournament since 1966.

Mark Bullingham, the CEO of the English FA, said the success of the women’s Euros in England in 2022 had proven Britain’s credentials.

“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.”

The prime minister gave his full support to the bid in a statement, arguing football was a key part of British 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”, he said.

“That pride was on full display when England hosted Uefa Women’s Euro 2022. It not only showed the best of our nation to the world but inspired a generation of girls into the game, all whilst boosting the economy. The Fifa Women’s World Cup 2035 on home turf would be another monumental moment in our sporting history, driving growth and leaving a lasting legacy. The FA’s intention to bid has my government’s full support.”

The Scottish, Welsh and Irish FAs said that the goal of driving continued growth in the women’s game was behind their 2035 ambitions.

Ian Maxwell, the CEO of the Scottish FA, said the tournament could “supercharge” growth, while Noel Mooney of the Welsh FA said that the bid comes at a time of “rapidly growing interest and participation in women’s football” in the country, following qualification for a first major international women’s tournament, this summer’s Euros in Switzerland.

Patrick Nelson, CEO of the Irish FA, said “this opportunity to serve the world” would “encourage and excite even more girls to dream of wearing our green shirt”.

The bidding process for both the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cups will be run together, with the process beginning this spring. After an initial expression of interest, which must be made within the next month, full bids will need to be submitted by the end of this year, with a final vote on hosting expected to be made by the 211 members of the Fifa congress in the second quarter of 2026.

Header image: [Photograph: Alessandra Tarantino/AP]