Economy Minister Dr has welcomed the
submission of the joint bid to FIFA to host the Women's World Cup
in 2035.
The Women's World Cup is the largest single sport women's event
in the world with an international viewing audience of 2 billion,
attracting thousands of travelling fans.
The Irish Football Association, along with the Football
Association, the Scottish Football Association and the Football
Association of Wales are part of a joint bid to host the
tournament in 2035. The bid document was submitted today, with
Belfast being proposed as one of the host cities.
The Minister said: “I very much welcome the official
submission of the bid to FIFA today, with Belfast included as a
host city for matches.
“Should FIFA decide to award the tournament to this bid,
hosting such a prestigious, global event would have a lasting
legacy of inspiring women and girls to become more active and
involved in sports, whilst attracting international visitors to
our shores.
“We have recently demonstrated our ability in hosting
major events with the successful delivery of The 153rd Open,
strengthening our reputation across the world.
“We are grateful to the Irish FA and our neighbouring
partners in preparing the joint bid and we await the decision
with every hope that we get the opportunity to play our part in
hosting the FIFA Women's World Cup 2035.”
FIFA Council is due to meet at the end of April 2026 to make a
final decision on the hosts for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2035.
Angela Platt, Director of Women's Football for the Irish FA,
said: “Hosting the FIFA Women's World Cup would be a
defining moment for young girls who play football across our four
home nations.
“For Northern Ireland, this aligns directly with our Together We
Thrive women and girls' strategy. Our priority is to create a
lasting legacy that gives more women and girls' the chance to
play, develop and stay involved in football at every level.
"We want to accelerate the game for everyone and the potential to
cohost the Women's World Cup would really expedite that process
and open even more pathways for the next generation.”
