A World Cup in England: Which Stadiums Would Be Used?

With England bidding to host the World Cup in 2018, thoughts need to turn to which stadiums in the country would be used to stage matches during the tournament.

FIFA say that the host country must select between nine and 12 stadiums to use during the World Cup when they host it, and there can only be one city which supplies two stadiums.

So, if plans to build new stadiums go ahead as expected at Liverpool and Portsmouth, here are the 12 stadiums that could be used if England won the right to host the 2018 World Cup, in order of capacity:

- Wembley, London (90,000)
- Old Trafford, Manchester (76,212)
- Emirates Stadium, London (60, 355)
- New Liverpool Stadium, Liverpool (60,000-80,000)
- St James’ Park, Newcastle (52, 387)
- Stadium of Light, Sunderland (49,000)
- New Portsmouth Stadium, Portsmouth (probably 45,000)
- Villa Park, Birmingham (42, 573)
- Elland Road, Leeds (40, 242)
- Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough (35, 100)
- Pride Park, Derby (33, 597)
- St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton (32, 689)

It makes me excited just scanning through the list of English grounds which could be staging World Cup matches in under ten years time.

It is unfortunate that Upton Park, The City of Manchester Stadium, Stamford Bridge, Goodison Park and Tottenham’s new ground cannot be used because of FIFA’s rules, but it does mean the stadiums will be spread out across the country. From Portsmouth to Newcastle, a World Cup in England would be a truly spectacular affair, full of passion and colour.

Wembley would definitely host the final, so maybe Old Trafford and Liverpool’s new stadium could be used for the semi-finals?

Whichever stadiums are used, England will stage an unforgettable World Cup if they are given the chance to by FIFA.