Windsor Park Set for Expansion Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2035
The redevelopment of Windsor Park is underway to prepare the stadium for the anticipated 2035 Women’s World Cup, with plans outlined to increase its capacity to 23,750, according to a FIFA report.
A collaborative bid from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales seeks to host the tournament, marking the UK’s submission as the sole candidate for consideration. The bid is set to receive formal approval during the Extraordinary FIFA Congress scheduled for November 23.
Windsor Park stands as Northern Ireland’s nominated stadium in this bid. However, to meet FIFA requirements for hosting matches up to the quarter-final stage, its current capacity of 18,500 must be expanded. The FIFA report emphasized plans for “further redevelopment, including the increase in capacity” of the venue.
This redevelopment aims to ensure Windsor Park becomes a modern international facility. The stadium authority has pledged to carry out the necessary upgrades to align with FIFA’s minimum standards.
In addition to raising the seating capacity, the enhancement plans include installing a hybrid grass system with compliant dimensions for tournament fields and upgrading the floodlighting system.
The Irish Football Association (IFA) has been approached for additional comments. Windsor Park last saw significant renovations in 2015, when it received £28.75 million from the Northern Ireland Executive to raise its seating capacity to the current level.
Additionally, earlier aspirations for Northern Ireland to host matches during Euro 2028 fell through after government funding for redeveloping Casement Park was declined.
Windsor Park is part of a broader bid that includes 19 stadiums: 14 in England, two each in Scotland and Wales. The English venues in the proposal are Villa Park, The Amex, Ashton Gate, Elland Road, Hill Dickinson Stadium, Emirates Stadium, Selhurst Park, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Wembley, Etihad Stadium, St James’ Park, City Ground, Stadium of Light, and Old Trafford. Easter Road and Hampden Park represent Scotland, while Cardiff City Stadium and Principality Stadium stand for Wales.
Brazil is set to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, while the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica have submitted a bid for the 2031 tournament, which will expand to 48 teams for the first time.
