It is believed that Manchester United and Liverpool's rivalry and history may have played a part in their exclusion from the list of
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Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Liverpool’s Anfield did not feature in the UK and Ireland’s joint bid, here's why
The two iconic stadiums have been fixtures on the UK and Ireland football scene for decades, but their inclusion in the joint bid to host the 2026 World Cup was not a certainty. Here's why.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams competing. The UK and Ireland submitted a joint bid, but it was not the only one on the table. The other two bids were from Russia and Qatar, and it was decided that the two stadiums in England - Old Trafford for Manchester United and Anfield for Liverpool - would feature in the tournament.
Old Trafford is the home of Manchester United, one of the most successful clubs in the world. They have won 19 Premier League titles, which is the most in the league. They have also won the FA Cup three times, the UEFA Champions League twice, and the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup twice. Anfield is the home of Liverpool, who have also won a number of titles, including the Premier League five times, the FA Cup twice, and the UEFA Champions League twice.
The decision to include Old Trafford and Anfield in the UK and Ireland’s joint bid was not a certainty, and it was not the only factor that was taken into account. The two stadiums have a long history of rivalry, and their inclusion in the bid could have led to tensions between the two clubs. The decision to include them in the bid was made in consultation with both clubs, and it was decided that it was the best way to ensure that the tournament would be a success.
