FA Reject Manchester United Plan to Host 2035 World Cup Final at New Old Trafford

The Football Association has resisted lobbying from Manchester United to make a rebuilt Old Trafford the venue for the 2035 Women’s World Cup final, despite the club pushing strongly for the stadium to host the tournament’s biggest match.

FA Still Wants Wembley to Host the Final

According to the reports, the FA already named Wembley Stadium as the preferred venue when submitting the official bid for the 2035 Women’s World Cup last November. Even if Manchester United complete their planned 100,000-seat stadium in time, the FA’s position is not expected to change.

The final decision will still be made by FIFA, but historically the governing body usually follows the wishes of the national association that is leading the bid.

Manchester United Still Pushing for the Final

Manchester United are planning to build a new stadium next to Old Trafford that could hold around 100,000 fans, making it one of the biggest stadiums in Europe. The club believes the new ground would be perfect for major international events, including the 2035 Women’s World Cup final.

Club officials have already spoken publicly about their ambition to host the final, but the FA appears determined to keep Wembley as the main stadium for the tournament.

Old Trafford Still Included in the World Cup Bid

Even though the FA prefers Wembley for the final, Old Trafford is still listed among the proposed venues in the United Kingdom’s bid for the 2035 Women’s World Cup. If the new stadium is completed in time, it could replace the current Old Trafford in the final stadium list.

The joint UK bid is currently unopposed and would make the 2035 Women’s World Cup the biggest sporting event ever hosted in the country.