Scotland’s National Stadium, Hampden Park, and Easter Road Stadium – home of Hibernian Football Club – have been included as proposed venues in the UK’s formal bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035.
The application, under the banner of ‘All Together’, reflects the partnership of the four countries involved in the proposal.
The bid includes 22 proposed stadiums – 16 in England, three in Wales, two in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland – across 16 host cities. With 63 million people living within two hours of a proposed venue, it would be the most accessible tournament ever.
A joint statement from the four respective CEOs – including the Scottish FA’s Ian Maxwell – said: “Hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup would be a huge privilege for our four home nations. If we are successful, the 2035 tournament will be the biggest single-sport event held on UK soil, with 4.5 million tickets available for fans.
“We are proud of the growth that we’ve driven in recent years across the women’s and girls’ game but there is still so much more growth to come, and this event will play a key role in helping us deliver that.
“Working together with FIFA, a Women’s World Cup in the UK has the power to turbo-charge the women’s and girls’ game both in the UK and globally. Our bid also demonstrates our commitment to leaving a lasting legacy, in the run-up to 2035, and the years afterwards.
“Together, we want to welcome the world to the UK to celebrate and enjoy an unforgettable tournament.”
The 22 proposed stadiums offer a blend of heritage, cutting-edge innovation and elite operational excellence that will be ready to deliver exceptional FIFA-compliant facilities. The 16 host cities provide a network of extensive infrastructure, ample accommodation, efficient transportation and culture.
The tournament would involve 104 matches contested by 48 teams over 39 days, with 48 team base camp training sites, 82 venue-specific training sites and 32 FIFA Fan Festival Sites proposed.
Passionate fans, strong media reach and innovative digital engagement not only ensure that this would be a successful tournament, but also provide a transformational commercial opportunity for global growth and reinvestment in the women’s game for the benefit of the wider FIFA family.
The four nations are committed to leaving a lasting legacy that will be delivered via three key pillars:
- Participation: Increase access locally and worldwide, focusing on under-represented communities.
- Leadership: Empower women in leadership; double female officials by 2035; and deliver global mentoring and education programmes.
- Commercial growth: Transform the game’s commercial potential; attract new fans and partners; and reinvest revenues into grassroots and elite pathways.
