Leeds in bid to host 2035 Women's World Cup games

Spain won the last Women's World Cup after beating England in 2023

Leeds could play host to the FIFA Women's World Cup if councillors back plans to put the city forward as a venue for the tournament.

The competition will be held in the UK in 2035, with locations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland bidding for the right to host matches.

Leeds United's ground Elland Road is expected to be among the leading candidates in England due to the plans to expand the stadium.

The city council's executive board will be asked to approve Leeds submitting a bid to the Football Association at its meeting on 17 September.

If approved, it will apply to host up to seven matches throughout the tournament.

Leeds City Council said it is working with Leeds United and key partners on the bid, with all potential venues needing to meet set criteria in terms of its stadium and supporting infrastructure.

The redevelopment of Elland Road will increase capacity at the ground up to 56,500 however, making it one of the largest stadiums in the country.

The council said Leeds also has a strong reputation for hosting major international sporting events, including matches in both the rugby union and rugby league world cups, the World Triathlon Series, the Cricket World Cup, Ironman Leeds and the 2014 Grand Départ of the Tour de France.

Elland Road is set to be redeveloped, making it the seventh largest football stadium in England

The council's executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture councillor Salma Arif said: "The possibility of Leeds and Elland Road hosting matches in a football world cup is hugely exciting and so we are delighted to be making our bid to be a host venue working with Leeds United and our partners.

"Women's football is booming at all levels following the incredible success of the Lionesses, which is fantastic to see in terms of inspiring people of all ages to lead healthy and active lifestyles."

Leeds United Chief Business Officer Morrie Eisenberg said: "We are thrilled at the prospect of bringing 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup matches to Elland Road, which would be fantastic for both the club and the city.

"As part of our vision to enhance Elland Road, which would put it amongst the elite stadia in Europe, we want to host Premier League football and world-class events, and this is an amazing opportunity to do so."

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