A Women’s World Cup of football, men’s Rugby World Cup and Ryder Cup could be staged in Britain over the next 15 years after UK Sport revealed an ambitious list of major event targets.
Following the success of England hosting the Women’s Euros in 2022, which saw the Lionesses lift the trophy, a UK bid for the Women’s World Cup in either 2031, 2035 or 2039 is planned.
The men’s Rugby World Cup, last held here in 2015, could return in 2035 or 2039, while a bid for the Ryder Cup in either 2031 or 2035 has also been earmarked. The biennial golf contest’s women’s equivalent, the Solheim Cup, is a target for 2030.
UK Sport also hopes to bid for the World Athletics Championship in 2029 or 2031, and stages of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes in 2027.
Other events on the 70-strong list of targets include the Netball World Cup and world championships of track cycling (2031 or 2035), artistic gymnastics (2030), triathlon (2027), ice hockey (2029), skateboarding (2029) and climbing (2030).
There was no mention of a bid to bring the Olympics back to the UK for the first time since London 2012, nor hosting the Commonwealth Games again, although the list is not exhaustive.
“Live sport is a fundamental part of this country’s social fabric. No other country buys more tickets per head to major sporting events than we do in the UK,” said Simon Morton, Deputy CEO and Director of Events at UK Sport.
“In the years ahead, we want to host a programme of live sport that resonates with the British public and makes a difference to millions of people’s lives.
“That programme has to be more accessible to people and communities across the country ensuring sport reaches as many fans as possible.”
The UK is already set to host the major finals of European club football and rugby this summer, the Women’s Rugby World Cup next year, the European Athletics Championship and Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup in 2026, and men’s football’s Euro 2028.
UK Sport hopes to bid to stage the Women’s World Cup in 2031, 2035 or 2039
It has never hosted the Fifa Women’s World Cup, however, and last staged the Ryder Cup in 2014 at Gleneagles. Not for a decade has Britain hosted any stage of the Tour de France, either.
UK Sport said its strategy was designed to reflect the country’s “ambition to maintain its reputation as a world-leading host nation”.
“With the Champions League final at Wembley in June, and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 we’re building on our world leading reputation for hosting major sporting events,” said Sports Minister Stuart Andrew.
“We are working closely with UK Sport and partners to fulfil our shared ambition to deliver up to 70 major events across thirty different sports to the UK in the years ahead.”
England last staged the Rugby World Cup in 2016 and will host the women’s edition next year