UK names 22 stadiums in unopposed bid to host 2035 women’s world cup

The UK has unveiled a list of 22 prospective host venues for the 2035 Women’s World Cup, with Manchester United’s proposed new Old Trafford included among the stadiums named in the bid, Sport360NG reports.

Old Trafford, which was omitted from the UK and Ireland’s successful Euro 2028 bid due to its planned redevelopment, remains under consideration. Bid organisers confirmed that even if reconstruction plans do not progress, the stadium will still be eligible in its current state.

The joint bid from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland faces no competition and is expected to be confirmed at the 2026 Fifa Congress. If successful, the tournament would mark the second World Cup staged in the home nations, following England’s hosting of the 1966 men’s edition.

Wembley Stadium is poised to host the final, while other venues include Birmingham City’s proposed new ground, Villa Park, Hampden Park, the Principality Stadium and the Etihad Stadium. In total, the longlist features 16 venues in England, three in Wales, two in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland.

From 2031, the Women’s World Cup will expand to 48 teams, mirroring the men’s format, with 15 stadiums required to stage 104 matches over 39 days.

In a joint statement, the heads of the FA, Irish FA, Scottish FA and FAW said the event could “turbo-charge the women’s and girls’ game” across the UK and deliver a long-lasting legacy.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the bid as an opportunity to build on the Lionesses’ impact, saying the tournament would benefit communities and businesses nationwide.
Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta said hosting would “drive participation, investment and equality”, while England manager Sarina Wiegman highlighted the tournament’s wider social impact: “It will boost the women’s game and women in society, bringing the country together.”

Unbuilt Stadiums Under Review

The bid notes that Manchester United’s new 100,000-capacity Old Trafford cannot be formally assessed as design plans are not yet advanced enough for Fifa. The club announced redevelopment intentions earlier this year but has made limited progress since.

Birmingham City’s proposed 62,000-seat Powerhouse Stadium, targeted for completion in 2030, features on the list, while Wrexham’s Stok Cae Ras requires redevelopment work to meet Fifa standards. Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge also falls short of requirements pending the outcome of an ongoing consultation over a new stadium project.

The Euro 2028 bid previously included Casement Park and the then-unbuilt Hill Dickinson Stadium. Casement Park will not be ready in time, though Hill Dickinson Stadium was selected among the host venues.

Full List of Proposed 2035 Women’s World Cup Venues

Windsor Park (Belfast)

Sports Quarter Stadium (Birmingham)

Villa Park (Birmingham)

American Express Stadium (Brighton & Hove)

Ashton Gate (Bristol)

Cardiff City Stadium (Cardiff)

Principality Stadium (Cardiff)

Easter Road (Edinburgh)

Hampden Park (Glasgow)

Elland Road (Leeds)

Hill Dickinson Stadium (Liverpool)

Chelsea Stadium (London)

Emirates Stadium (London)

Selhurst Park (London)

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London)

Wembley Stadium (London)

Etihad Stadium (Manchester)

St James’ Park (Newcastle)

City Ground (Nottingham)

Stadium of Light (Sunderland)

Old Trafford (Trafford)

Stok Cae Ras (Wrexham)