Elland Road could host World Cup matches within next 10 years as Leeds plans move ahead
Elland Road could be one of 22 proposed stadiums to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup matches, given Leeds United’s regeneration plans.
Leeds United’s start to life back in the Premier League hasn’t gone to plan since winning the Championship title last season, with Leeds’ recent 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa seeing them sink to 18th.
Daniel Farke’s future at Leeds is on the line, and their clash against Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday could be decisive.
Either way, good things could be just around the corner for the Whites thanks to their impressive stadium.
UK unveils bid for 2035 Women’s World Cup
Elland Road could soon be filled with thousands of fans as the home nations officially submitted their joint bid to host the tournament, according to The Telegraph on 28 November.
The Football Associations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have promised to deliver the biggest single-sport event held on UK soil. This would include 4.5million in ticket sales and a projected TV audience of 3.5billion.
Furthermore, the home nations’ bid is almost certain to be accepted after FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed back in April that it was the only valid bid.
The proposal included 22 proposed stadiums. This would include 16 in England, three in Wales, two in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland.
While the submission includes Old Trafford, the hope is that the plans for Manchester United’s new stadium will be finalised and completed in time for the tournament.
Other stadiums included in the bid include Birmingham City’s new 62,000-capacity stadium, Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground, Everton’s Hill Dickinson stadium and Hibernian’s Easter Road.
And it seems that Leeds’ Elland Road could be a real contender to host the tournament.
Leeds push through plans for stadium regeneration
Leeds have confirmed plans to regenerate Elland Road, which has housed the Whites since 1919.
Earlier this year, the ownership of the stadium was transferred back to Leeds, which granted the club full control of the ground for the first time since 2004. As a result, plans are now in the works for its long-term future.
- Elland Road currently has a capacity of 37,645 seats
- This number will soar to 53,000 post-regeneration
Given that United’s stadium includes projected plans, Leeds could very well be in contention to host games in the tournament.
Elland Road could already host major sporting events in the future, and this would be excellent exposure for the club and helpful for its long-term sporting project.
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