Hosting women’s World Cup games in Belfast could generate £120m, says expert

Staging women’s World Cup football games in Belfast could deliver a £120 million boost to the Northern Ireland economy, a specialist in tournament hosting has said.

James Hamilton also suggested the region had the capacity to host other showpiece events, such as Rugby World Cup games or a Tour de France stage, if it took a joined-up approach to developing the required infrastructure.

Mr Hamilton is a senior figure at Turner & Townsend, a company that works with cities in advance of them hosting major tournaments.

He was in Belfast to address an event organised by commercial real estate and investments company CBRE NI.

CBRE and Turner & Townsend have worked closely on landmark stadium projects such as those used in the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar, the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Last year, Stormont ministers 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 less than 10 years’ time.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have said the event represents 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, including an increase on the current 18,500 capacity.

The 16 venues that will host games will be confirmed later in the bid process.

Northern Ireland has missed out on being involved in the UK and Ireland’s joint hosting of the men’s Euro 2028 football tournament – because of uncertainty over the redevelopment of Casement Park GAA stadium in west Belfast.

On Thursday, Mr Hamilton participated in CBRE NI’s annual commercial property Outlook event at the ICC in Belfast. The theme was Real Estate and Sports-Led Regeneration.

He said an economic windfall of between £70 million and £120 million would be delivered if Belfast was selected as a venue. He said the size of the boost would depend on the number and significance of the matches played at Windsor Park.

“Successful sports-led regeneration requires a clear national sports venue strategy aligned with urban development priorities, supported by robust feasibility studies and realistic funding,” he said.

“Venues should be designed to enhance the fan and athlete experience, with strong transport links, accessibility, sustainability, and long-term community benefit.

“Ambition without practical planning creates risk. Opportunities, such as being part of a bid to host a Rugby World Cup or hosting a Tour de France stage, are achievable for Northern Ireland, but only if carefully assessed.

“When delivered effectively, major sporting events can accelerate regeneration and create destinations that continue to generate value long after the competitive action is over.”