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By TARA ANSON-WALSH Published: 23: 06 AEDT, 3 April 2025 | Updated: 23: 06 AEDT, 3 April 2025 2 View comments Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman said it 'would be incredible' for the United Kingdom to host the 2035 Women's World Cup after Fifa president Gianni Infantino announced this morning that it is the sole bidder for the tournament. Spain's federation president Rafael Louzan said last week that they were 'working on' a joint bid alongside Portugal and Morocco. However, deadline for expressions of interest passed on Monday and Infantino says the home nations' bid is the only one received for 2035. The England boss said: 'It's really good news and it would be really great if that tournament would be held here. 'We know with the experience of the Euros how big the game is already here and what that momentum did here in the country, but also worldwide, so another tournament on an even bigger stage would be incredible and that will give another boost to the game. ' 'It's an even bigger stage. It's the biggest female event we have in the world and that's so exciting. 'When I came in 2021 I felt so much support and everyone's worked so hard to get women's football to the next level here. Sarina Wiegman has welcomed the 'incredible' opportunity for the United Kingdom to host the Women's World Cup in 2035 It has been revealed that the UK is the soul bidder to host the tournament despite Spain's claim they were ready to lodge a joint bid Captain Leah Williamson, 28, also refused to rule out playing playing a part in the tournament 'At the back of the Euros when we won it the players had this immense message for access to football for every girl, but also the country, the clubs, the FA was ready then to boost the game. And that's what you feel all the time in England – everyone wants to grow the game. ' Lionesses captain Leah Williamson added: 'Having experienced a home tournament, which we all realised at the time how lucky we are, is exciting news for players to know that potentially that's on the horizon. (After) the impact that 2022 had, I'm sure that you'll have some stories that will be pretty special having led on from that time. ' When asked whether she could see herself playing at the World Cup in 10 years' time, the England captain, 28, laughed, adding, 'Stranger things have happened. ' Wiegman, who led the Lionesses to victory at the Euros in 2022, said that she 'doesn't expect myself to be involved as a coach' for 2035, with her contract with England set to run out after the 2027 World Cup. Infantino said at a Uefa congress: 'Today I can confirm as part of the bidding process that we received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035. 'The 2031 bid is the United States of America and potentially some other Concacaf members and the 2035 bid is from Europe and the home nations. 'So the path is there for the Women's World Cup in 2031 and 2035 to take place in some great nations and further boost the women's football movement. ' FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: 'We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the Fifa Women's World Cup 2035. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said he is 'honoured' for the UK to be the sole bidder Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who revealed the news, also confirmed that the 2031 World Cup will be a 32-team tournament 'The hard work starts now to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year. ' No official decision will be made until after the submission deadline for formal bids this winter, with a vote taking place to confirm the hosts in 2026. Infantino also confirmed that the 2031 Women's World Cup will be a 48-team tournament, up from 32 in 2027. Meanwhile, the Lionesses continue their Nations League bid on Friday evening where they will face Belgium at Ashton Gate. Wiegman ruled out Fran Kirby and Chloe Kelly for tomorrow night's game, with both players carrying 'niggles', although says they will be working to return for the reverse fixture at the Den Dreef Stadium on Tuesday evening.
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