Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are reportedly being tipped to leave a lasting legacy in Welsh football by helping bring the Women’s World Cup to Wrexham in 2035.
The Wrexham Owners want a redeveloped Stoke Cae Ras – better known as the Racecourse Ground – to host matches at the 2035 Women’s World Cup.
The UK are the sole bidders for the tournament and their formal bid will be submitted later this year.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney push for Wrexham to host 2035 Women’s World Cup matches
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has identified two venues it wants included in the official bid for the 2035 Women’s World Cup, including at the home of Wrexham.
Cardiff City Stadium will be the likely choice for the south of Wales, while Wrexham’s redeveloped stadium is being lined up for the north.
Reynolds and McElhenney have already begun transforming Wrexham’s home.
Work is underway on a new Kop stand that will raise the capacity to around 18,000. Their long-term vision could one day expand the stadium to more than 45,000 seats.
Football Association of Wales in talks with Wrexham over 2035 Women's World Cup – UK sole bidder.
The plan.
⭐️Tapping into Hollywood stardust factor
🏴2 venues – 1 in north & 1 in south
🏟️ CCS not rugby's Principality Stadium preferred southern option https://t.co/syCxojNKje— Phil Blanche 🏴 (@philblanche) August 18, 2025
FAW chief executive Noel Mooney described the project as a North Star for the club and city. He said the chance to bring World Cup football to Wrexham would be a story like no other.
“What Ryan and Rob are doing is amazing,” Mooney said. “They are looking to look to invest in the stadium and build up the Cae Ras, which is the oldest international ground in the world, and there is a potential North Star for them.
“The city and the club have a chance to bring a World Cup to North Wales. What a legacy for Ryan and Rob to leave Wrexham.”
Talks between the FAW and Wrexham have already taken place. Wales is set to host the European U19 Championship in 2026, with all matches played in the north and the Cae Ras staging the final.
Next year marks the 150th anniversary of the FAW, which was founded in Wrexham. This adds extra significance to the push for World Cup matches.
Manchester United target staging Women’s World Cup final
While Wrexham hopes to stage matches, Manchester United have set their sights on hosting the final of the 2035 Women’s World Cup at a proposed new 100,000-seat stadium.
The project would see a state-of-the-art arena built next to Old Trafford at an estimated cost of £2bn.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has spoken about creating a “Wembley of the North.” The club has said it hopes the stadium will be ready within five to six years. Funding, planning permission and the purchase of nearby land still need to be resolved.
Experts have also warned that the timeline may be optimistic. If completed in time, the stadium would compete with Wembley to host the World Cup final.
When could the UK bid be approved?
The United Kingdom is the only bidder for the 2035 Women’s World Cup.
FIFA has confirmed the home nations as the sole contenders and a final decision will be made in April 2026. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland would all qualify automatically if the bid is approved.
