Leeds Plans Bid for 2035 Women's World Cup Matches

Leeds United, in partnership with Leeds City Council, is preparing to bid to host matches at the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with a formal proposal expected to be approved by the council soon. The bid centers on Elland Road stadium, which is slated for major redevelopment that would increase its capacity from just over 36,000 to around 53,000–56,500, positioning it among the largest stadiums in the UK. The United Kingdom’s bid to host the tournament, covering England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, is anticipated to be unopposed, with multiple stadiums including Elland Road competing to host matches. Elland Road has a rich history of staging international sporting events, including women’s and men’s football internationals and Rugby World Cup games, bolstering its credentials as a world-class venue. Leeds officials emphasize the opportunity to enhance the stadium and support the growth of women’s football, while also leveraging Leeds’ reputation as a prominent host city for major sporting and cultural events. The bid aims to host up to seven matches at Elland Road, contributing to the legacy and continued development of women’s football in the UK.