The four nations of the UK are planning a joint bid to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

A statement said: “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 planned bid had his government’s “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.”

The process begins with the submission of a declaration of interest to FIFA, after a bidding timetable was announced on Wednesday.

Bidders have around a month for expressions of interest to be lodged before submitting the full proposals by November, with a decision being made toward the middle of 2026.

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

As Sky News revealed last year, the British bid could be boosted by the potential for the tournament’s expansion from 32 to 48 nations.

The Three Lionesses lost the 2023 World Cup final 1-0 to Spain.

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

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But, England led a successful bid for the men’s Euro 2034, which will also see Scotland, Wales and Ireland staging matches.