Brighton & Hove named in UK bid to host FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035

Brighton & Hove has officially been included as a potential host city in the UK’s bid to stage the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035.

The UK has formally submitted its proposal to FIFA, featuring 16 potential host cities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - with Brighton & Hove among them. If successful, the four football associations will unite to deliver the biggest single-sport event in UK history, with inclusivity, diversity and global connection at its heart.

Should Brighton & Hove be selected, it would mark the return of elite international women’s sport to Sussex. Brighton & Hove City Council, alongside partners across the county, is determined to build on the success of UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Encouraging more women and girls to take up sport remains a key priority for the council as it tackles long-standing health inequalities. Nationally, one in three girls drop out of sport during their teenage years. Locally, a 2023 survey revealed only 15% of secondary-school-age girls in Brighton & Hove achieved an hour of physical activity daily over the past week, compared with 27% of boys. In primary schools, the figures were 22% for girls and 34% for boys.

Research shows girls across the UK are far less likely to play sport than boys, missing out on an average of 1.4 hours of activity per week – the equivalent of 52 football matches a year. One in three girls also reported that boys had access to a wider range of sports. However, more than half (55%) said watching professional athletes inspired them to play, while two-thirds (65%) agreed that seeing diverse athletes reinforced the message that sport is for everyone.

The hope is that hosting elite international women’s sport will inspire future generations of local girls and create a lasting legacy. The tournament could also deliver a significant economic boost for Brighton & Hove. The recent Women’s Rugby World Cup attracted over 60,000 fans to two matches in the city, with many staying in local hotels and spending in businesses across the area.

Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “We’re incredibly excited about the possibility of being part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035. The power of women’s football to inspire girls, women and people across our city to participate in sport and create lasting legacies is something we’re passionate about.

"As a host city for both UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 and this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup, we’ve already seen the amazing impact elite international women’s sporting events can have.

“Not only have these events showcased the best of Brighton & Hove to the world and welcomed thousands of visitors, they have also inspired more local women and girls than ever before to get active. We’re proud to be considered as a potential host city for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035.

“If the UK is successful, FIFA will decide which cities are selected. For now, we’re focused on showing how ready and enthusiastic we are to play our part in what could be a truly historic event.”

FIFA is expected to announce its decision in 2026.