Stormont backs bid for Women's World Cup matches in Belfast

Plans to stage Women's World Cup football matches in Belfast in 2035 received political approval at Stormont on Thursday.

Even though the whole United Kingdom is in line to host the tournament, there had been a question mark over Northern Ireland's involvement.

There are fears that, just like plans to stage games in the men's Euro 2028 tournament, the chance to take part in a major sporting event could be missed.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill confirmed on Thursday afternoon that the Stormont executive has agreed in principle to be part of the bid to host the football matches.

"A really huge opportunity in terms of investment in women in sport and for this opportunity that will come in 10 years' time, so a huge advancement I think in terms of sport more generally and clearly we want to see more investment in all sport here," she added.

Earlier, Irish Football Association (IFA) Chief Executive Patrick Nelson said it could cost about £60m to stage games locally but it could also generate a similar sum to the local economy.

"We're on the brink of a massive chance here to bring the biggest sporting tournament for women to our city, to our country," he told the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme.

However, he made it clear that the clock was ticking for Stormont ministers to sign off on the plans.

"The bid partners are very clear that unless Northern Ireland can commit today then it will have to go ahead without us and that would be an incredible lost opportunity," Mr Nelson said.

"We've got to the last minute of the game which is unfortunate.

"It would have been good if we had come forward on this maybe a little bit earlier to give everyone some breathing space.

"There is no breathing space now, the decision needs to be made today."

'Seize the moment'

Ahead of the meeting, there were positive signs, with indications that Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald had sent in an executive paper recommending participation in the tournament and the Sinn Féin minister is said to be hopeful of agreement.

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has made its position clear.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly tweeted that she was "fully supportive of Windsor Park playing a key role in this UK FIFA bid".

She added that "along with my DUP ministerial colleagues we will be pushing for that decision being made by the executive".

It would be fantastic to have the FIFA Womens World Cup being played here at Windsor Park!

I am fully supportive 💚 of Windsor Park playing a key role in this UK FIFA bid, and along with my DUP Ministerial colleagues we will be pushing for that decision being made by the… https://t.co/3aSuObSQfP— Emma Little-Pengelly BL (@little_pengelly) October 15, 2025

Assembly member Phillip Brett said: "DUP ministers will be supporting our participation and I urge all executive ministers to seize this opportunity and ensure Northern Ireland plays its full part in hosting the 2035 Women's World Cup."

The IFA said political support is essential and urged ministers "to seize this moment, for the good of the game, and for the future of women's sport in Northern Ireland".

Belfast recently missed out on the chance to host matches in Euro 2028 due to the lack of a 30,000-seater stadium in the city.

However, the women's World Cup does not require as big a capacity and the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, which currently has 18,500 seats, could be used if it was partially upgraded.

Asked about the funding required from the Stormont executive, the IFA chief executive replied: "I think there will be around £60m of benefits to Northern Ireland from this and we think the costs will be there, or thereabouts."

Mr Nelson explained the money was needed "to run the operations of a significant tournament".

'It's an absolute open goal'

It was announced in April that the UK is the sole "valid" bidder for the tournament in 2035.

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland submitted a joint expression of interest to hold the World Cup across the home nations.

At the time, Mr Nelson said it was a "brilliant opportunity" but there was "still a lot of hard work to do with our partners in bringing it all together".

In a statement issued on Wednesday, it was evident some hurdles have yet to be cleared, with the IFA saying it needed "political will to match the ambition of our athletes".

On Thursday morning, Mr Nelson said he was "hopeful that all of the ministers around the table have listened to the arguments, have looked at the case and understand that this is an opportunity".

"It's an absolute open goal for the ministers to make that decision today and we hope they don't miss it."

If all goes according to plan, Belfast could host up to six matches at the tournament in 2035.

The majority of matches will be in England, with Scotland and Wales having a smaller share.

Although FIFA has yet to formally confirm the UK as host for the World Cup, it is expected to do so in April next year.