Leeds and its iconic Elland Road stadium are pivotal to the UK’s audacious bid to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, aiming to showcase the city’s rich football heritage and recent investments. This selection promises to ignite economic growth, inspire future generations of athletes, and leave an enduring legacy for women’s football in the heart of West Yorkshire.
What role does Leeds and Elland Road play in the UK’s 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup bid?
Leeds and Elland Road are central to the UK’s joint bid to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, serving as a proposed venue. Their selection highlights the city’s football heritage, recent stadium investments, and strategic plans to boost local economy, inspire future participation, and create a lasting legacy.
The UK Joint Bid Overview
With a new wave of enthusiasm for women’s football sweeping through Europe, the United Kingdom has officially submitted a joint bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035™. This ambitious bid unites the national football associations across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, offering a collective vision for a historic tournament. At the heart of this proposal is the city of Leeds, and notably its iconic stadium, Elland Road, which has been spotlighted as a potential match venue.
The bid comes at a time when women’s football is experiencing unprecedented popularity and investment. According to UEFA, the 2022 Women’s EURO attracted record television audiences and attendance, highlighting the tournament’s potential to engage large, diverse audiences (source). The UK bid aims not only to capitalize on this momentum but also to foster sustainable growth and legacy for the women’s game. The official submission has been recognized by FIFA, with an assessment process now underway and the hosting decision expected in April 2026.
For more details, the bid is officially unveiled on the ‘All Together’ campaign page, which outlines the vision, host cities, and strategic priorities for the tournament. The collaboration spans multiple UK cities, each selected for their football heritage, infrastructure quality, and passionate local support.
Leeds and Elland Road: A Standout Venue
Central to the bid is the potential selection of Leeds and Elland Road as a host location for World Cup matches. As the home of Leeds United, Elland Road boasts a storied history and a capacity of approximately 37,792 spectators. The stadium has played host to major international events in the past, further strengthening its credibility as a top-tier venue. Recent investments and redevelopment plans aim to elevate Elland Road into a world-class stadium capable of accommodating both football fans and large-scale sporting events in the coming decade.
Leeds City Council reflects the city’s pride and anticipation regarding the bid. According to Councillor Salma Arif, “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.” This underscores the city’s readiness to welcome visitors from around the globe, and its ambition to further spotlight Leeds on a global platform.
Complementing these sentiments, Morrie Eisenberg, Leeds United Chief Business Officer, stated: “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…this is another example of the city and club coming together to drive positive impact for the Leeds community.” The bid presents Elland Road with opportunities to join the ranks of elite European stadiums and play a significant role in the expansion of women’s football.
Community Impact and Economic Benefits
The selection of Leeds and Elland Road has far-reaching implications for the city, its residents, and surrounding regions. Major sporting events have historically driven economic growth, increased tourism, and strengthened civic pride. Studies from previous FIFA tournaments indicate that host cities can expect millions in tourism revenues and long-lasting infrastructural improvements (source).
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, highlighted the potential legacy benefits: “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.” The city’s participation in the Women’s World Cup aligns with broader strategies aimed at promoting physical activity, gender equality, and youth engagement in sport across the region.
Anticipated benefits extend beyond economics, encompassing cultural exchange, international visibility, and community pride. Local partnerships between Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and Leeds United reflect an integrated approach to maximizing the tournament’s positive impact. By serving as a host city, Leeds aims to leave a lasting legacy that encourages ongoing participation in sport, particularly among women and girls.
Strategic Vision and Legacy Planning
The UK joint bid places strong emphasis on sustainability, accessibility, and inclusivity. Each prospective host city has committed to upholding FIFA’s requirements for green initiatives, transport connectivity, and fan safety. For Leeds, planned enhancements to Elland Road include energy-efficient lighting, improved transport links, and the expansion of community facilities. Such projects are designed to ensure long-term benefits for local residents and sports clubs alike.
The continuing rise of the women’s game forms a core part of the bid’s legacy vision. As noted by club and city officials, Leeds has already witnessed significant increases in women and girls participating in football. Hosting the World Cup is expected to further catalyze these trends and secure additional funding for grassroots development. The city is dedicated to creating accessible pathways from local leagues to elite competition, reflecting both ambition and inclusiveness.
The broader UK bid incorporates pledges to deliver educational programmes, coaching clinics, and community outreach in every host city. These initiatives are integral in driving forward the sport’s development and in ensuring that the tournament’s benefits reach as many people as possible. With the bid now under FIFA’s consideration, Leeds stands poised as a focal point for potential transformation, poised to help define the global future of women’s football.
- Leeds and Elland Road are central to the UK’s joint bid to host the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, serving as a proposed venue.
- The UK has submitted a joint bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035™, uniting football associations across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Elland Road, home to Leeds United, has a capacity of approximately 37,792 spectators and a history of hosting major international events.
- Hosting the World Cup in Leeds and at Elland Road is expected to drive economic growth, increase tourism, and strengthen civic pride.
- The UK bid emphasizes sustainability, accessibility, and inclusivity, with planned enhancements to Elland Road including energy-efficient lighting and improved transport links.