Comments on United Kingdom joint bid submitted to host FIFA Women's World Cup 2035™

The UK joint bid to host the FIFA Women's World Cup 2035™ has been submitted today.

Leeds and Elland Road is a potential location and venue to host matches in the tournament, with further information about the joint bid submitted by the UK national football associations seen at All Together - The UK's FIFA Women's World Cup 2035 bid announced. The bid will now be assessed by FIFA before the hosting decision for the tournament is announced in April 2026.

Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture Councillor Salma Arif said:

“It is really exciting that the formal bid for the United Kingdom to host the FIFA Women's World Cup 2035™ has been submitted, and that if the bid is successful Leeds and Elland Road has been selected as one of the potential locations and venues to stage matches.

“Staging major international football on the biggest stage in the world would further showcase Leeds as a city and Elland Road as a venue on a global scale, so along with our partners we wish the bid the very best of luck and look forward to hearing if it has been successful in April with fingers very firmly crossed.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“I’d be thrilled to welcome the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035™ to West Yorkshire. It would be a chance to showcase our proud sporting heritage, boost our local economy, and inspire the next generation of women and girls to get into sport.

“We’re ready to celebrate the beautiful game and build a legacy that will benefit our communities for years to come. Bring it on.”

Leeds United Chief Business Officer Morrie Eisenberg said:

“We are thrilled at the prospect of bringing the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035™ 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.

“The women’s game has enjoyed huge growth over the past decade, which will only continue over the coming years and we want Elland Road to be part of that legacy, this is another example of the city and club coming together to drive positive impact for the Leeds community.”

ENDS 

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