Wembley is reportedly leading Old Trafford in the battle to host the Women's World Cup final in 2035.
Friday, November 27, is the deadline for countries to put together their bids to host the tournament. However, the location of the 2035 tournament is a forgone conclusion with only one bid in the running.
As a result, the 2035 Women's World Cup will be held across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The UK has experience of hosting major women's football tournaments after previously holding the European Championships in 2003 and 2022. However, the UK has never held a Women's World Cup, meaning the 2035 tournament will be particularly special for all of the host nations.
Wembley set to host 2035 Women's World Cup final
As per Sky Sports News, the final will be held at the iconic Wembley Stadium, despite the potential to hold it at Manchester United's new ground.
The Red Devils are planning to build a 100,000-capacity replacement for Old Trafford, making it a viable option to host a major final. However, the Football Association's preference is to play the showpiece event at Wembley, like the 2023 Women's European Championship final.
“It's a FIFA decision and our full expectation is Wembley will host the final,” FA chief executive Mark Bullingham told Sky News earlier this year in an interview that was not broadcast at the time.
“We obviously want some of the new stadiums that are being built…and Old Trafford would be one of those.
“But we also think we've got some existing settings that are really strong as well. So with Wembley hosting the final, and those other ones supporting us through the tournament, that'll be a great combination.”
FGG says: Logical decision to pick Wembley
There may be more modern grounds than Wembley around the United Kingdom, but the home of English venues remains an iconic stadium.
It is also a venue that is at its best on big occasions, and there is certainly none bigger than a World Cup final, even if we have to wait 10 more years for the event to take place.
While Man United's new stadium looks set to miss out on the final, it can still play a key role in the tournament, which will be the second Women's World Cup to feature 48 teams following the 2031 edition in the USA.
Those in charge of the bid also need to make sure that enough games are played across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland so that the tournament has a positive impact across the whole of the UK.