Stormont set to back bid for Women's World Cup matches in Belfast

Plans to stage Women's World Cup football matches in Belfast in 2035 could receive political approval at Stormont on Thursday.

Even though the United Kingdom is in line to host the tournament, there has been a question mark over Northern Ireland's involvement.

There are fears that, just like plans to stage games in the men's Euro 2028 tournament, the chance to take part in a major sporting event could be missed.

The Irish Football Association (IFA) said ministers have a "final chance" to support the World Cup plans at a meeting of the Stormont executive on Thursday.

Ahead of the meeting, there were positive signs, with indications that Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald has sent in an executive paper recommending participation in the tournament and the Sinn Féin minister is said to be hopeful of agreement.

The DUP has made its position clear.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly tweeted that she was "fully supportive of Windsor Park playing a key role in this UK FIFA bid", adding that "along with my DUP ministerial colleagues we will be pushing for that decision being made by the executive".

Assembly member Phillip Brett said: "DUP ministers will be supporting our participation and I urge all executive ministers to seize this opportunity and ensure Northern Ireland plays its full part in hosting the 2035 Women's World Cup."

The IFA said political support is essential and urged ministers "to seize this moment, for the good of the game, and for the future of women's sport in Northern Ireland".

Belfast recently missed out on the chance to host matches in Euro 2028 due to the lack of a 30,000-seater stadium in the city.

However, the women's World Cup does not require as big a capacity and the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, which currently has 18,500 seats, could be used if it was partially upgraded.

It was announced in April that the UK is the sole "valid" bidder for the tournament in 2035.

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland submitted a joint expression of interest to hold the World Cup across the home nations.

At the time, IFA chief executive Patrick Nelson said it was a "brilliant opportunity" but there was "still a lot of hard work to do with our partners in bringing it all together".

In a statement issued on Wednesday night, it was evident that some political hurdles have yet to be cleared.

Mr Nelson said: "All that is needed now is the political will to match the ambition of our athletes."

If all goes according to plan, Belfast could host up to six matches at the tournament in 2035.

The majority of matches will be in England, with Scotland and Wales having a smaller share.

Although FIFA has yet to formally confirm the UK as host for the World Cup, it is expected to do so in April next year.