Scotland joins home nations bid to host 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup

Scotland is part of a joint bid by the home nations to host the Women’s World Cup in 2035.

The move was announced after FIFA confirmed that the tournament will be played in Europe or Africa.

The football associations of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland will now submit a formal notice of interest to the governing body as the first stage of the bidding process. A full bid will be completed by the end of the year, with a decision announced in the second quarter of 2026.

If successful, it would see matches in the elite competition played at Hampden Park in Glasgow, which has previously hosted matches as part of the men’s European Championships and will do so again in 2028.

Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell believes hosting the World Cup would have a huge effect on growing women’s football in Scotland.

“Being part of a UK bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup will provide a memorable global spectacle for fans of all ages,” he said. “As well as having the eyes of the world on the sport’s biggest tournament, it will allow our fans to experience the magic of a Women’s World Cup on our doorstep, ideally with the Scotland Women’s National team taking centre stage at Hampden Park.

“It will also enable us to super-charge the progress made in growing women’s football in Scotland.

“While it is early days, it would represent an enthralling destination as part of a 10-year journey to accelerate the women’s game at grassroots, domestic and international levels.”

Scotland’s first minister John Swinney welcomed the move and said the country already had a reputation for successfully hosting top level sport.

“Scotland is a world-renowned host of international sporting events and a strong advocate of the importance of sport and physical activity for women and girls,” he said.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup is the pinnacle of women’s football. As home support grows for the Scottish Women’s International team, the Scottish Government would be delighted to work with the Scottish FA and other partners to explore bringing this fantastic event, and its benefits, here.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “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.

“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 FAs’ intention to bid has my government’s full support.”