Women’s World Cup 2035: Wrexham’s revamped Cae Ras part of UK bid

Wrexham’s Cae Ras is the oldest international football stadium in the world still in use, having hosted Wales’ first fixture in 1877.

It has staged senior men’s and women’s international fixtures in recent years but would need to be expanded and modernised to be used for the 2035 World Cup.

“Wrexham are building the Kop at the moment but they would have plans to develop that further before 2035,” Mooney added.

“I don’t know the precise number, but I do know that it would be above the threshold that we need to host the Women’s World Cup in 2035.

“There was huge support from Wrexham Council and from governments and so on but, as they continue on their journey towards the Premier League and as they develop the women’s side of the game, they’ll want the city to continue to develop.

“The infrastructure needs to continue to develop around it so the 2035 Women’s World Cup gives them a great chance to have something to aim towards apart from being in the Premier League.

“Also to have a World Cup finals coming to Wrexham is another great layer on top of the story that’s already produced so many great layers for Wrexham.”

As for the potential redevelopment of Cardiff City Stadium, Mooney said: “What could be interesting for us as a national association is we continue to do well as national teams and as Cardiff City hopefully get promotion this year and follow that up with challenging for the Premier League.

“I hope in the future then maybe we could look to work with Cardiff City Council and the owners of Cardiff City to develop that a bit further.

“There’s the space at both ends to develop the capacity there. That’s a bit off I would say but, as it stands, Cardiff City Stadium is well above the threshold in terms of hosting World Cup games.

“Obviously the National Stadium of Wales is, as will Wrexham be by then.”