New Old Trafford stadium on 2035 World Cup list

Manchester United’s proposed new Old Trafford stadium is one of 22 venues named in the UK’s bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.

Old Trafford was not selected for the 2028 Men’s European Championship and its redevelopment is still being planned.

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The joint bid by England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland faces no opposition and could be ratified by a vote at a FIFA congress in 2026.

If the redevelopment plans do not come to fruition, Old Trafford will still be considered in its current form.

Other planned stadiums include Birmingham City’s planned new stadium and Wembley, which will likely host the final.

If the UK’s bid is confirmed, the 2035 tournament will be the second time a World Cup has been held in the home countries following the 1966 men’s tournament in England.

A total of 22 stadiums were listed in Friday’s announcement: 16 in England, three in Wales, two in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland.

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2035 Women’s World Cup Stadiums

• Sports Quarter Stadium (Birmingham)

• American Express Stadium (Brighton and Hove)

• Cardiff City Stadium (Cardiff)

• Principality Stadium (Cardiff)

• Hill Dickinson Stadium (Liverpool)

• Emirates Stadium (London)

• Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London)

• Etihad Stadium (Manchester)

• St James Park (Newcastle)

• Stadium of Light (Sunderland)

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From 2031, the Women’s World Cup will be contested between 48 teams – following the men’s format – and will require 15 stadiums. The tournament would include 104 matches played by the 48 teams over 39 days,

A joint statement from the CEOs of the FA, Irish FA, Scottish FA and Welsh FA said: “A Women’s World Cup in the UK has the power to boost women’s and women’s football in the UK and around the world.

“Our application also demonstrates our commitment to leaving a lasting legacy, through 2035 and beyond.”

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “The success of the Lionesses has inspired girls across our country, and we will continue that momentum by welcoming millions of football fans from around the world to a tournament that will benefit communities and businesses in the UK’s host cities.”

Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta said: “The impact of hosting the World Cup in our country would be felt for decades, driving participation, investment and equality at all levels of sport.”

England head coach Sarina Wiegman added: “I think it’s about more than just football. It will boost women’s football, but it will boost women in society and, as we’ve seen, it will bring the country together.”

Unbuilt stadiums included

The bid includes “Old Trafford in its current form”, as proposals for a new 100,000 capacity stadium were not deemed detailed enough for assessment by Fifa.

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United announced plans to renovate their stadium in March and hope it will be completed in five years – although further progress has yet to be made.

Meanwhile, Birmingham City unveiled plans for its 62,000-seat Powerhouse Stadium in November, with a completion date set for the start of the 2030-31 season.

Stok Cae Ras in Wrexham does not currently meet Fifa requirements, although redevelopment works are planned which would make it eligible once completed.

Stamford Bridge also does not meet Fifa standards, so whether or not a Chelsea stadium is considered for the tournament will depend on the outcome of an ongoing consultation on a new home.

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The joint UK and Republic of Ireland bid to host Euro 2028 included Casement Park and Hill Dickinson Stadium, which were not yet built at the time of submission.

Casement Park will not be completed in time for the tournament, while Hill Dickinson Stadium has been selected as one of nine host grounds.