UK Submits Bid for 2035 Women’s World Cup, New Stadium Planned

The United Kingdom has officially submitted its bid to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, marking a significant step in the nation’s efforts to secure one of the world’s largest sporting events. The proposal includes a list of 22 potential stadiums across the UK, pending confirmation of plans for a new stadium at Old Trafford.

The UK bid features a diverse selection of venues, comprising 16 stadiums in England, three in Wales, two in Scotland, and one in Northern Ireland. FIFA is expected to narrow this list down to 16 stadiums by 2029. Currently, the proposal incorporates the existing Old Trafford stadium, home to Manchester United, as the details for the proposed new stadium have yet to be finalized.

In March 2023, Manchester United announced plans to construct a new stadium with a capacity of 100,000, referred to as the “Wembley of the North.” Although the existing Old Trafford is included in the bid, the intention is for FIFA to assess the new venue once it is developed. As it stands, only Wembley Stadium meets FIFA’s technical requirements for hosting a final match.

Other venues under consideration include Birmingham’s Powerhouse Stadium, which aims for a 62,000 capacity as part of a broader urban development. Chelsea FC is also on the shortlist while contemplating options for a new home, given that Stamford Bridge does not meet FIFA’s technical specifications in its current form. Additionally, Wrexham is planning to expand its stadium capacity before the tournament.

Mark Bullingham, CEO of the England Football Association (FA), expressed optimism regarding the new stadiums. He indicated, “From the early plans, they could be really exciting. If they are built, we’d obviously want them included in the tournament.”

The selection of stadiums will hinge on various factors, including location, the timely construction of new facilities, and the ambitions of the hosts regarding ticket sales. Bullingham emphasized the potential scale of the tournament, aiming to surpass the success of the Women’s Euro 2022 by offering a competition projected to be eight times larger.

The FA predicts that approximately 4.5 million tickets could be sold for the event, which they anticipate will attract a global television audience of 3.5 billion viewers. With 63 million people living within two hours of the proposed match venues, Bullingham believes the UK can effectively bring the tournament to life across its most recognizable cities and stadiums.

In preparation for the 2035 Women’s World Cup, which will expand from 32 to 48 teams, the UK will need to provide 48 team base camps, 82 training sites, and 32 fan festivals. Bullingham remains confident in the nation’s existing infrastructure to support such an influx of teams and fans.

“We’re lucky we have the stadia and training bases that we do,” he stated, while also expressing a desire to include new stadiums should they be completed in time. He highlighted positive discussions with government officials, who are expected to provide necessary guarantees related to infrastructure, including airports, hotels, and training facilities.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer underscored the UK’s commitment to football, stating, “Our bid to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup shows the UK’s passion for football. The Lionesses’ success has inspired girls across our country, and we’ll build on that momentum by welcoming millions of football fans from around the world.”

FIFA will make a final decision regarding the UK’s bid during an evaluation in Vancouver on April 30, 2026. The outcome of this bid could not only elevate the profile of women’s football in the UK but also provide significant economic benefits to host communities across the nation.