‘Women’s World Cup would have lasting legacy’ – Archibald

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald 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 two 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 co-host the Women’s World Cup would really expedite that process and open even more pathways for the next generation.”