Manchester United have described the chance to host the Women’s World Cup in 2035 as a “fantastic opportunity”. United and City Region have their sights set on securing a major place in the competition at the stadium, including the final. The Red Devils have removed Old Trafford from their list of hosts for the 2028 Men’s European Championship due to the uncertainty of the future and the inability to guarantee hosting.
Despite this, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is targeting United’s move to the new 100,000-capacity Old Trafford stadium for the 2030-31 season. They have expressed keenness to host Women’s World Cup matches in 2035, and the stadium is now officially included in Britain’s bid to host the tournament.
It has been suggested that a joint bid for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for the 2035 World Cup is currently uncontested and could be approved through a FIFA parliamentary vote in 2026.
Colette Roche, United’s chief operating officer, said: “We are proud to be part of Trafford’s rich sporting and cultural framework and the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup is a great opportunity for us to showcase our home to the world.”
“Our ambition is to build a new 100,000-capacity stadium suitable to host the biggest international football matches. This is part of the wider regeneration of the area around Old Trafford and will bring far-reaching benefits to the local community, Greater Manchester and the surrounding area.”
“We also want to be leaders in the growth of women’s football locally and around the world. All of these goals come together in our aim for Trafford to be the host city for the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup and we look forward to working with our partners to make this incredibly exciting vision a reality.”
Councilor Eve Parker, Trafford Council’s executive member for leisure, arts, culture and heritage, declared: “The 2035 Women’s World Cup is a huge event, expected to be the biggest single sporting event ever held in the UK.”
“Trafford is home to two huge sporting institutions, Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Lancashire Cricket Club, so we are used to hosting big events.
“Being the host city for this event has huge benefits, including promoting Trafford to millions of people on the world stage.
“The council will continue to work with local partners, including FIFA and Manchester United, to help bring this major event to the borough.”
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said earlier this month: ‘This is a major growth project for the whole of the North West.
“The attractive prospect in my head is that if we really get going, I think there’s a pretty good chance of hosting a Women’s World Cup in 2035. Just imagine a final at that new Old Trafford. That would be quite something, right?”
Design for the new stadium is on hold while land acquisition negotiations continue. Freightliner’s depots around Old Trafford are crucial to the plan.
United are hoping to strike a deal to secure land for a new stadium project.
