Manchester United’s proposed new Old Trafford has been named among the venues in the UK and Ireland’s joint bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.
Although Old Trafford was omitted from the UK’s successful bid for the 2028 men’s European Championship and its redevelopment remains in the planning phase, the stadium is still set to feature. If the redevelopment does not proceed, the existing ground will remain under consideration.
The joint England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland bid is currently unopposed and could be officially ratified at the 2026 FIFA Congress.
Should it be confirmed, the tournament would mark only the second World Cup hosted in the home nations, following England’s staging of the 1966 men’s edition.
Friday’s announcement listed 22 proposed stadiums: 16 in England, three in Wales, two in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland. New venues include Birmingham City’s planned Sports Quarter Stadium, while Wembley is expected to host the final.
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Proposed 2035 Women’s World Cup Stadiums
- 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)
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Beginning in 2031, the Women’s World Cup will expand to a 48-team format—mirroring the men’s tournament—with 104 matches staged across 39 days and requiring 15 match venues.
In a joint statement, the CEOs of the FA, Irish FA, Scottish FA and FA of Wales said: “A Women’s World Cup in the UK has the power to turbo-charge the women’s and girls’ game both in the UK and globally. Our bid also demonstrates our commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in the run-up to 2035 and the years afterwards.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer added: “The Lionesses’ success has inspired girls across our country, and we’ll build on that momentum by welcoming millions of fans to a tournament that will benefit communities and businesses in host cities across the UK.”
Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta said hosting would have long-term benefits, “driving participation, investment and equality at every level of the sport.”
England head coach Sarina Wiegman added: “It’s so much more than football. It will boost the women’s game, uplift women in society, and bring the country together.”
