Glasgow launches bid to host 2035 Women's World Cup

Council papers said Hampden Park was expected to be a first choice stadium for Scotland

Glasgow has launched a bid to host football matches during the Fifa Women's World Cup in 2035.

Hampden, Celtic Park and Ibrox all have the capability to stage games for the tournament, which is expected to see 48 teams take part.

Fifa will make a decision on the UK's bid - the only bid to host the tournament - by April 2026.

It will then decide on the final selection of between 14 and 16 host cities in 2030.

Other cities hoping to host include Leeds, Birmingham and Nottingham.

Glasgow councillors have been asked to back the bid, which will be presented to the city administration committee on Thursday.

They have been recommended to agree that responsibility for delivering the event would be handed to Glasgow Life, which runs the council's sport operations.

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%.

Council papers on the bid said: "Glasgow has the opportunity to be one of the host cities for the Fifa Women's World Cup in 2035, with three stadia capable of meeting the hosting requirements (Hampden, Ibrox and Celtic Park).

"As the national football stadium, Hampden would be expected to be a first choice to be put forward, though the stadium selection is ultimately a Fifa decision."

'Major sports city'

If successful, Glasgow would also be required to propose two "central and iconic locations" suitable for staging the Fifa Fan Festival - where people can watch public screenings of matches as well as cultural entertainment.

The papers added: "Attracting this high-profile women's sporting event would continue to build the city's vibrant and inclusive events portfolio and further strengthen the city's reputation and profile as a major sports and events city.

"Building a pipeline of football events would be key to leveraging its success, developing participation and audiences through events and activation in the lead up, including with Euro 2028."

The tournament will take place over 39 days.

It has previously seen 32 teams compete. However, Fifa recently indicated that from 2031 it will increase to 48 teams.

Glasgow Life's director of culture, tourism and events, Billy Garrett, said: "Our city has a long-established track record as an expert, trusted and welcoming host for major international events. Glasgow is also renowned for its love of sport and football.

"We were therefore delighted to have been invited to consider if the city could be involved in the FA-led bid to secure the FIFA Women's World Cup."

The Scottish Football Association has been contacted for comment.

Reporting by local democracy service reporter Sarah Hilley.