Nottingham could host matches in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035 under ambitious new plans being put before Nottingham City Council’s Executive Board.
The proposal asks councillors to approve signing a host city contract with FIFA by the end of October as part of a joint UK bid to stage the tournament. The national bid, submitted by the Football Associations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland together with UK Sport, will go to FIFA in November. A decision on the UK’s hosting status is expected in April 2026.
If successful, Nottingham would be one of up to 20 cities forming part of the initial UK submission, with FIFA expected to select between 14 and 16 final host cities by 2030. Nottingham’s inclusion depends on the planned redevelopment of Nottingham Forest’s City Ground meeting FIFA stadium requirements. Without that upgrade, the city’s participation would not be possible.
It would be the first time since 1966 that England has hosted a FIFA World Cup and the first major international football event in Nottingham since Euro ’96. The city’s leaders describe the bid as a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to showcase Nottingham globally, drive economic recovery and inspire future generations of women and girls in sport.
If chosen, Nottingham is projected to host around seven matches. The tournament is expected to attract a worldwide television audience of 1.8 billion viewers and 1.85 million spectators in stadiums, 20 per cent of whom would be international visitors. The local economic benefit is estimated at around £20 million gross value added (GVA) from visitor spending, media coverage and business opportunities. Across the UK, the event is forecast to generate £1.9 billion in GVA and create around 31,000 jobs.
The tournament would feature 48 national teams competing over 39 days, using 20 proposed UK venues with a likely final selection of 16 stadia – 11 in England, two each in Scotland and Wales, and one in Northern Ireland. Nottingham is placed in “Region 3” of the bid, where nine stadiums have expressed interest. The Football Association intends to ensure geographical balance, meaning it is unlikely more than one stadium per city would be chosen outside London.
The Council’s report acknowledges financial and logistical risks but outlines several mitigations. The UK Government is expected to fund around 55–60 per cent of host city costs, with discussions already taking place with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to support Nottingham’s contribution. Additional funding could come from local businesses, a proposed Accommodation Business Improvement District, and potentially neighbouring councils given the regional economic benefits.
Nottingham would have nearly a decade to plan and budget for hosting duties, with major expenditure not required until 2032–33 and a 15 per cent contingency included in financial forecasts. The Council’s existing seven-strong Events team would form part of the delivery workforce, potentially overseeing activities such as the FIFA Fan Fest.
f approved by the Executive Board on 21 October, Nottingham would formally commit to joining the UK’s bid before the 31 October deadline. Should FIFA confirm the UK as host next spring, the city will then enter a detailed planning phase ahead of final venue selection later in the decade.
