UK submits bid for 2035 Women’s World Cup
Manchester United’s new 100,000-capacity stadium, along with Birmingham City’s proposed ground, are among 22 venues set to host matches at the 2035 Women’s World Cup in the United Kingdom, reports BritPanorama.
The four nations’ associations submitted their collective bid to stage the 48-team finals to FIFA, with no other bidders competing for the event. This marks a significant step as it entails the largest single-sport tournament ever staged in the UK.
In total, 22 stadiums across 16 cities in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have been included in the submission, with Old Trafford, as it currently stands, featured prominently.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham previously indicated discussions with Manchester United regarding the inclusion of the new stadium in the bid. United’s chief operating officer Collette Roche expressed pride in being part of Trafford’s sporting landscape, viewing the tournament as an opportunity to showcase their home to a global audience. “Our ambition is to build a new 100,000-seater stadium fit to host the biggest international football games,” she stated.
Moreover, Birmingham announced plans for their 62,000-capacity stadium as part of the city’s Sports Quarter, enhancing their suitability for the tournament. Wrexham’s Cae Ras is also in contention, pending expansions planned by the club’s renowned owners. Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, while currently not meeting FIFA’s technical requirements, could still be considered depending on ongoing consultations regarding potential redevelopment.
Northern Ireland, which was unable to secure co-hosting for the men’s European Championships in 2028 due to funding issues, has been included in the submission with Windsor Park in Belfast also earmarked as a venue. The probability of hosting the tournament in 2035 will reignite interest in women’s football following England’s successful hosting of the Women’s Euro 2022.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer remarked on the bid, highlighting the UK’s enthusiasm for football and expressing hope that the tournament would benefit local communities and businesses alike. He noted the inspiration provided to girls national teams through the success of the Lionesses and the ongoing commitment to invest in grassroots initiatives.
With an anticipated availability of four and a half million tickets, and the added historical significance of being the first World Cup held on British soil since the men’s finals in 1966, the stakes for the UK are substantial as they prepare to welcome millions of fans from around the world.
The bid, if successful, would not only enhance the UK’s sporting prestige but also serve to highlight the growth and potential of women’s football on an international stage, capturing the nation’s ambition and commitment to the sport.
