FIFA have ultimate authority on the bids and venues and it’s believed Belfast is in the running, with Windsor Park the only ground even close to meeting the criteria
After missing out on Euro 2028 hosting duties, bar the tournament draw, Belfast is in line to be one of the 14-16 host cities for the Women’s World Cup in 2035.
The UK was confirmed as the joint host for the 2035 Women’s World Cup earlier this year after other bids fell short, and although there’s still 10 years to go before the event kicks off, speculation has already been building as to which cities will host matches.
FIFA have ultimate authority on the bids and venues and it’s believed Belfast is in the running, with Windsor Park the only ground even close to meeting the criteria.
It’s understood that minimum requirements for stadiums to host a Women’s World Cup include a minimum seating capacity of 20,000 for most matches, 40,000 for semifinals, and 65,000 for the opening match and final.
Although Windsor Park has a capacity of 18,500, it would appear that it could be considered for group stage matches because it is close to the 20,000 requirement.
The team at OLBG have predicted that Belfast is the seventh placed UK city in line to host, in terms of probability. London, Cardiff and Glasgow are the front three – the latter having three stadiums that are up to the level required (Hampden, Celtic Park and Ibrox).
Earlier this year, Stormont ministers agreed to back Northern Ireland as a potential venue to host Women’s World Cup matches in 2035 – despite the fact some upgrade work will be required.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly estimated this work, which would likely include a small increase to the capacity, would cost in the region of “tens of millions of pounds”.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill referenced Northern Ireland’s failure to be involved in the UK and Ireland’s joint hosting of the men’s Euro 2028 tournament – because of uncertainty over the redevelopment of Casement Park GAA stadium in west Belfast – as a “huge missed opportunity.”
O’Neill said the full financial commitment required to host games in the 2025 Women’s World Cup the tournament in Northern Ireland was still not clear.
Glasgow City Council has committed to spending £6.2m to host the competition. The UK government has pledged to cover 60% of costs and the Scottish government would cover 15%.
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