Leeds is making an ambitious bid to host up to seven matches of the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup at Elland Road, planning a major stadium redevelopment to expand its capacity to 56,500 seats. This move aims to bring significant economic benefits and further boost the soaring popularity of women’s football, following the success of England’s Lionesses.
What is Leeds’ plan to host 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches at Elland Road?
Leeds aims to host up to seven matches of the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup at Elland Road, backed by major stadium redevelopment and city investment. The bid promises economic benefits, increased visibility for women’s football, and lasting community and sporting legacies.
Elland Road and the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Leeds is poised to play a pivotal role in the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as plans progress for the city to formally submit a bid to host up to seven matches at the renowned Elland Road Stadium. The decision, expected soon following a council executive board meeting, could see Leeds join cities across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in welcoming the world’s top women’s football teams. This initiative aligns with the United Kingdom’s anticipated unopposed bid to stage this prestigious tournament, which would mark a significant milestone in the city’s sporting history.
The cornerstone of Leeds’ proposal is Elland Road, which has entered the bidding as one of the leading candidates due to ambitious redevelopment plans. The stadium is set to undergo significant investment, including a capacity expansion to 56,500 seats. This project would elevate Elland Road among the largest football venues in the country, ensuring it meets FIFA’s strict requirements for host stadiums. For further details on redevelopment plans, visit Leeds City Council News.
The city council is collaborating closely with Leeds United and other key stakeholders to ensure the bid meets all necessary criteria, not only in terms of facilities but also infrastructure and support services. The selection process will be highly competitive, but Leeds’ track record as a host for major international sporting events provides a strong foundation. As stated by Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, Salma Arif: “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.”
A Legacy of Major Events and Community Engagement
Leeds is no stranger to hosting world-class events, boasting an impressive portfolio that includes matches in both the Rugby Union and Rugby League World Cups, the World Triathlon Series, the Cricket World Cup, IRONMAN Leeds, and the acclaimed 2014 Grand Départ of the Tour de France. These events have brought not only international attention but also significant economic and cultural benefits to the city. The city’s capacity to organize and deliver large-scale sporting spectacles is well established, reinforcing its suitability as a 2035 Women’s World Cup venue.
Beyond sports, Leeds is celebrated for its vibrant cultural scene. Its diverse calendar features renowned festivals and events such as Live at Leeds, Leeds Festival, Leeds Waterfront Festival, Light Night Leeds, Leeds International Film Festival, and the Leeds West Indian Carnival. This rich tapestry of cultural activity underscores the city’s appeal as a host for global audiences, offering visitors a wealth of experiences beyond the football pitch.
The city’s successful event hosting is underpinned by robust infrastructure and an engaged local community. Leeds City Council’s collaborative approach ensures that each major event leaves a positive legacy, supporting local businesses and fostering civic pride. As highlighted by Morrie Eisenberg, Leeds United’s Chief Business Officer: “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.”
The Rise of Women’s Football and Local Impact
The exponential growth of women’s football in the UK provides a compelling backdrop for Leeds’ World Cup ambitions. Inspired by the remarkable achievements of England’s Lionesses, who clinched the European Championship and reached the 2023 FIFA World Cup final, interest and participation in women’s football at all levels are soaring. The sport’s rising profile is mirrored in the success of local leagues, notably the West Riding County Women’s Football League, which now has over 1,600 players registered across seven divisions, making it one of the largest women’s leagues nationwide.
Women’s football’s surge in popularity is also evident in growing crowds, increased media coverage, and a new generation of role models inspiring girls and women to get involved in the game. Hosting World Cup matches would provide an invaluable opportunity to further accelerate this growth, delivering high-profile fixtures that could inspire increased participation and foster long-term support for women’s sport. As Salma Arif emphasized: “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.”
At a grassroots level, enhanced visibility and investment could catalyze improvements in facilities, coaching, and player development. The tournament would also offer a platform for community engagement initiatives, encouraging more young people – especially girls – to take up football. In this way, Leeds’ bid has the potential to deliver lasting social benefits, aligning with broader objectives to promote health, inclusion, and gender equality in sport.
Economic Benefits and the City’s Vision for the Future
Hosting Women’s World Cup matches is projected to bring substantial economic rewards to Leeds. Each match could attract thousands of visitors, generating up to £10 million per event, with an overall estimated return of approximately £70 million to the local economy. These figures reflect not only direct spending at games but also the broader impact on hospitality, retail, transport, and tourism sectors. The influx of fans and media from around the world would showcase Leeds on a global stage, boosting its profile as an international destination for sport and culture.
The financial commitment required from host cities is significant, with up to £10 million needed to meet FIFA’s requirements for infrastructure, security, and event management. However, the anticipated returns – both economic and reputational – are considered to outweigh these initial outlays. Local businesses and service providers stand to benefit from increased demand, while the city’s residents would enjoy enhanced facilities and a heightened sense of civic pride.
Leeds United’s redevelopment plans for Elland Road play a central role in this vision, positioning the stadium as a premier venue for both domestic and international events. Morrie Eisenberg summarized the club’s ambitions: “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.” This forward-thinking approach seeks not only to secure the World Cup matches but also to cement Leeds’ status as a hub for sporting excellence for years to come.
For more information on the Leeds bid, including the official report, visit Council and Democracy – Agenda Item 11. For media enquiries, contact Leeds City Council communications and marketing at communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk or call 0113 378 6007.
- Leeds is making an ambitious bid to host up to seven matches of the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup at Elland Road.
- The plan includes a major stadium redevelopment to expand Elland Road’s capacity to 56,500 seats.
- Hosting the matches is expected to bring significant economic benefits, potentially generating up to £10 million per event and an estimated overall return of £70 million to the local economy.
- The bid aims to further boost the soaring popularity of women’s football, inspired by the success of England’s Lionesses.
- Leeds has a strong track record of hosting major international sporting events, including Rugby World Cups and the Tour de France.