Overview

• Noel Mooney credited Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney with a “legacy” role in Wales’ strategy and said their global profile has inspired FIFA, commercial bodies and governments to engage with Welsh football.
• The Football Association of Wales has targeted Cardiff City Stadium in south Wales and a redeveloped Racecourse Ground in Wrexham as its two venues for the UK’s sole bid to host the expanded 48-team tournament.
• FAW and Wrexham held talks last week about Women’s World Cup hosting, building on preparations for the 2026 UEFA European Under-19 Championship in north Wales, with Cae Ras set to stage the final.
• Reynolds and McElhenney have proposed a new 7,750-seat Kop stand to raise the Racecourse Ground’s capacity to around 18,000, with full redevelopment for up to 55,000 spectators envisaged as a longer-term project.
• The UK will submit its formal 2035 Women’s World Cup bid in November, aiming for FIFA approval next year and automatic qualification for all four home nations if successful.