Potential Benefits of Wrexham’s Ownership
The head of football in Wales, Noel Mooney, has highlighted the significant potential benefits that the ownership of Wrexham by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney could bring to the upcoming 2035 Women’s World Cup. The United Kingdom is the lone candidate to host this expanded tournament, which will feature 48 teams, and the Football Association of Wales (FAW) is keen to secure two of the proposed 16 venues: one in the northern region, specifically Wrexham’s upgraded stadium, STōK Cae Ras, and another in the south, likely Cardiff City Stadium instead of the larger Principality Stadium used for rugby events.
Stadium Enhancements
Reynolds and McElhenney, who recently attended Wrexham’s inaugural Championship match at home, have plans to enhance the stadium’s capacity with a new 7,750-seat Kop stand, ultimately bringing the total capacity to approximately 18,000. In statements made earlier this year, they acknowledged that comprehensive renovations could ultimately cater to between 45,000 to 55,000 attendees.
Vision for the Future
Mooney emphasized the importance of the Kop project, stating, “This is a crucial first step with an extraordinary vision for the stadium. What Ryan and Rob are doing is remarkable, as they invest in Cae Ras, recognized as the world’s oldest international football venue. The club and city have a unique opportunity to host a World Cup in North Wales, which would create an incredible legacy for both owners and Wrexham.”
Upcoming Events and Legacy
Recently, representatives from the FAW and Wrexham discussed the implications of hosting the Women’s World Cup, while it’s noted that Wales will also facilitate the European Under-19 Championship in the summer of 2026. Matches will occur in several venues across the north, including Bangor and Colwyn Bay, with the final set to take place at Cae Ras.
Mooney remarked on the significance of hosting during the FAW’s 150th anniversary, stating, “Our history is deeply rooted in Wrexham, making this opportunity particularly compelling.” He noted that the FAW intends to announce a decade-long strategy for Welsh football in 2026, crediting the impact of Reynolds and McElhenney as incredibly beneficial for their initiatives.
Mutual Benefits and Future Prospects
“The arrival of Ryan and Rob has been a blessing in terms of timing, coinciding with our appearance in the men’s World Cup for the first time and our participation in the inaugural women’s Euros, along with the success of our youth teams in qualifying for prestigious tournaments. Wrexham is already nurturing many of our national players and will play a vital role in developing future talent through their investment in youth programs and the Academy,” Mooney explained.
This partnership seems mutually beneficial, with global interest in Wrexham increasing, thereby attracting partners, including FIFA and various commercial entities. The UK’s official bid for the 2035 Women’s World Cup is set to be submitted in November, with expectations for FIFA’s endorsement next year, which would also guarantee all four home nations entry into the tournament.
