Bristol, UK — In a bold move to bring international women’s football to the city, Bristol City Council is preparing to put forward a proposal for Ashton Gate Stadium to host matches during the the 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The plan would see Bristol join a constellation of UK cities bidding to stage one of the most significant sports events in women’s football.
A City with Ambition
Sources close to the council indicate that a formal decision will come at the next meeting of the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee (scheduled for October 13, 2025). If approved, the bid would include a fan zone in Queen Square, upgrades to match infrastructure, and staffing expansions to meet FIFA’s rigorous operational demands.
Local media describe the potential benefits as “enormous” — increased hotel demand, boost for hospitality and tourism, and a lasting civic legacy.
The UK Bid: A National Effort
Bristol’s bid is not standalone; it is part of a larger joint bid by the UK’s home nations (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.
In April 2025, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that the UK proposal is currently the only valid bid for 2035, making it the frontrunner by default.
The final selection is expected at the 76th FIFA Congress in mid-2026.
Stadiums, Scale & Infrastructure
If the UK bid is successful, several stadiums across the nations will be called upon to host matches. Among those being floated:
Wembley is expected to host the final, with full capacity requirements in mind.
A proposed new 100,000-capacity stadium at Manchester United might serve as another marquee venue, if completed on time.
Typical match venues must meet minimum seating capacity (20,000 for group matches, 40,000 for semifinals, possibly more for marquee games).
In some cases, smaller stadiums (e.g. Belfast’s Windsor Park) might need modest upgrades to comply with FIFA’s criteria.
Bristol’s Ashton Gate would need to satisfy technical, broadcast, crowd flow, and logistics demands to be included in the final host list.
Challenges & Considerations
Competition for venues: Even within the UK, many cities will be vying for match slots. Major venues in London, Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow, Belfast, and others will be in the mix.
Infrastructure burden: Organizing global tournaments demands huge investment in transport, security, accommodation, and fan experience. Bristol must ensure it can meet those demands.
Commitment and timing: FIFA requires host nations to submit full, compliant bids by late 2025, with inspection visits, evaluation, and eventual ratification in 2026.
Legacy planning: To satisfy legacy criteria, the city will likely be expected to demonstrate plans for long-term growth in women’s football, community engagement, and facility use after the tournament.
Why Bristol?
It offers geographic diversity beyond the usual football strongholds, helping distribute matches across regions.
It strengthens the UK bid by adding depth and capacity.
Hosting matches could leave lasting sporting and economic benefits for the city and its surrounding region.