Manchester United have revealed their ambition to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup final in a proposed new 100,000-capacity stadium—set to become the largest in the UK.
Announced in March, the £2 billion project would see a state-of-the-art ground built near the current Old Trafford, fulfilling co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s vision of a “new” Old Trafford within five to six years. While the timeline has faced skepticism outside the club, United remain confident the stadium will be completed well before the 2035 tournament.
The UK is the sole bidder to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup, with all four nations expected to participate. The Football Association plans to submit a formal bid to FIFA by the end of the year, outlining the UK’s vision for the competition.
United’s hopes to stage the final received a boost with the appointment of Lord Sebastian Coe as Chair-Designate of the Mayoral Development Corporation overseeing the Old Trafford regeneration project. Coe, previously chair of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, brings a wealth of experience from leading London’s successful 2012 Olympic and Paralympic bid.
United CEO Omar Berrada welcomed Coe’s appointment, calling his involvement a “huge positive” for the broader development. “Lord Coe’s proven leadership and track record in delivering transformational projects will be invaluable as we work together to turn our collective vision into reality,” he said.
The stadium’s concept drawings were first unveiled in London four months ago, marking a bold step toward redefining United’s legacy—and possibly becoming the home of women’s football’s biggest stage in 2035.
