Stormont backs NI as potential host venue for 2035 Women’s World Cup

Stormont ministers have agreed to back Northern Ireland as a potential venue to host Women’s World Cup matches in 2035.

The UK is in line to stage the showpiece Fifa tournament in 10 years’ time, but the devolved administration in Belfast had to decide whether it wanted to support a bid to host games.

Ministers agreed in principle to back the bid at a meeting at Stormont Castle on Thursday.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the event represented a huge opportunity for sport in Northern Ireland.

The national football stadium at Windsor Park would require some upgrade modifications in order to host World Cup games.

Ms Little Pengelly estimated this work, which would likely include a small increase to the capacity, would cost in the region of “tens of millions of pounds”.

Ms O’Neill referenced Northern Ireland’s failure to be involved in the UK and Ireland’s joint hosting of the men’s Euro 2028 tournament – because of uncertainty over the redevelopment of Casement Park GAA stadium in west Belfast – as a “huge missed opportunity.”

Commenting on the 2035 Women’s World Cup, she added: “This is an opportunity not to be missing and something we need to grab onto very strongly, and I think that we can.”

She added: “It’s a really huge opportunity in terms of investment in women, in sport and for this opportunity that will come in 10 years’ time. So a huge advancement, I think, in terms of sport more generally. And clearly we want to see investment in all sport here.”

Ms O’Neill said the full financial commitment required to host the tournament in Northern Ireland was still not clear.

Ms Little-Pengelly expressed hope Northern Ireland would play a “core part” in hosting the Women’s World Cup.

“I think it’s absolutely brilliant news, I think it’s great for football, I think it’s great for women’s sports, it’s great for Windsor Park and I think it’s really great for Northern Ireland as well,” she said.

“We’ve all seen the huge benefits of hosting major sporting events here can have not only for our economy, but in inspiring young people and all people to get active.

“I am extremely proud of Northern Ireland’s footballing talent, and women’s football in Northern Ireland has grown from strength to strength, so this bid represents a chance to build on that momentum.

“Hosting matches here in Belfast would not only showcase our world-class hospitality and sporting spirit and boost tourism and local business, but also inspire a new generation of young women and girls.

“We really look forward to engaging with that UK-wide bid in the months ahead … very optimistic that the UK will secure that bid and that Northern Ireland will play that core part in it.”