Manchester United Eyes New Old Trafford as World Cup Final Venue
Manchester United harbors aspirations to stage matches during the 2035 Women's World Cup, with possibilities extending to hosting the championship final.
United revealed their blueprint for constructing a cutting-edge Old Trafford facility, aiming to establish what Sir Jim Ratcliffe termed a 'Wembley of the North', announced in March 2025.
The proposed stadium, set to be built alongside the existing ground to allow continuous use during construction, is projected to accommodate 100,000 spectators. This capacity would establish it as the nation's largest venue, exceeding Wembley Stadium's 90,000-seat limit.
United envisions grand plans for the renovated Old Trafford, positioning it as the cornerstone of broader urban development initiatives. In support of this vision, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham unveiled a '10-year growth strategy' for the entire Manchester area this week. Lord Sebastian Coe, former head of the Old Trafford Regeneration Taskforce and instrumental in London's 2012 Olympic campaign, maintains his significant involvement. His primary objective focuses on achieving "transformational change" throughout the Old Trafford district.
"We enthusiastically embrace the incorporation of the Old Trafford Regeneration initiative as a central element of the Greater Manchester Strategy," stated United chief executive Omar Berrada.
Lord Coe remarked: "Collaborating with Trafford Council and the Mayor, there exists tremendous potential to introduce new residential developments and employment opportunities to the vicinity surrounding the Manchester United stadium.
"Moving forward, I envision an opportunity to bring the FIFA Women's World Cup to a renovated Old Trafford Stadium in 2035. The home nations stand as the exclusive bidder, creating an exceptional chance to pursue hosting the global football community."
When the Women's World Cup arrives on UK territory for the inaugural time—a collaborative effort involving England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland—United anticipates the completion of the new Old Trafford.
BBC Sport indicates that the club desires the stadium, which Ratcliffe estimated could be completed within six years, to serve as the tournament's final venue. The Football Association is presently developing a formal proposal for FIFA submission that would present their 'vision' for World Cup hosting.
Many would naturally assume Wembley would serve as the final's venue, considering its status as England's national stadium and the FA's physical headquarters. However, this represents precisely where Ratcliffe, originating from a working-class Oldham family, particularly seeks Manchester and the north to challenge London's dominance.