Birmingham City Council ‘incredibly excited’ to potentially host matches for 2035 World Cup
Birmingham City Council has said it is “incredibly excited” to potentially be one of the host cities for the Women’s Football World Cup in 2035.
The tournament is set to be held in the UK after Fifa president Gianni Infantino confirmed it was the sole “valid” bidder for the sporting event.
It has now been revealed this week that Birmingham Council has plans to show how “ready and enthusiastic” it is to play a role in the World Cup.
“We’re incredibly excited about the possibility of being part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035,” a council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service on Monday.
“The power of women’s football to inspire communities, celebrate diversity, and create lasting legacies is something we’re passionate about.
“Whilst we’re proud to be considered as a potential host city, we fully respect that if the UK is successful in its bid to host the tournament, it will be FIFA who decides which host cities are selected.
“For now, we’re focused on showing how ready and enthusiastic we are to play our part in what could be a truly historic event.”
The UK’s bid to host the Women’s World Cup will be discussed by Birmingham Council cabinet members at a special meeting on Monday, October 20.
The Labour-run council has not said yet which stadium could potentially host matches if Birmingham does end up being a host city in the tournament.
But Villa Park is set to be one of several stadiums across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland where the 2028 Men’s Euros could be held.
“It is estimated that the tournament will generate almost £190 million of socio-economic benefits for Birmingham and the wider West Midlands,” a previous council report said.
Earlier this year in April, FA chief executive officer Mark Bullingham said: “We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035.
“Hosting England’s first FIFA World Cup since 1966, along with our home nations partners, will be very special.
“The hard work starts now to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year.”
Infantino added: “I can confirm that, as part of the bidding process, we received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035. The 2035 bid is from Europe from the Home Nations.
“The path is there for the Women’s World Cup to be taking place in 2031 and 2035 with some great countries in some great nations to boost even more the women’s football movement.”
