The Future of Women's Football in England: Growth, Investment, and the 2035 World Cup Bid
The Women's Super League (WSL) and Women's Championship (WSL2) now operate independently from the Football Association, attracting increased outside investment and multi-club ownership. The million-pound transfer barrier was broken twice in one summer, and minimum standards within the leagues have been raised.
Attendance for women's football has surged significantly, rising from an average of 1,076 in 2015 to 6,884 in the 2025-26 season. Arsenal leads with an average of 36,214 fans per home game, while West Ham averages 1,794.
Participation in football among females in England has grown from approximately 2.5 million women and girls in 2015 to over 6.4 million by October 2025. Following England's victory at the Euro 2025, online searches for playing opportunities increased by 196%.
Numbers of female coaches and referees have also increased, growing year-on-year by 12% and 29% respectively. Notably, 90% of schools now provide girls with equal access to football in physical education for Key Stages 2 and 3, encompassing 2.6 million girls—a target achieved three years ahead of schedule through a partnership with Barclays.
Looking ahead, the United Kingdom has submitted a sole bid to host the 2035 Women's World Cup, proposing 15 host cities and 22 stadiums, including Wembley Stadium. This would mark the first home World Cup since 1966.
Leadership at the Football Association continues to emphasize participation as central to their strategy. However, chief executives acknowledge that gender parity in football participation among girls compared to boys remains unachieved, especially in Key Stage 4, where gaps persist.
The 2035 Women's World Cup bid is envisioned as a catalyst for further investment in facilities, coaching, academies, refereeing, research, and fan engagement, building on the momentum generated by recent European and World Cup performances.
