00:00The UK is almost certain to host the 2035 Women's World Cup but the contest for who gets to stage
00:10matches is only just beginning. Birmingham says it's ready to play its part with officials promising
00:16the tournament would inspire the city and bring lasting benefits to local communities. It's a big
00:22statement from a council still under financial supervision after near bankruptcy. The excitement
00:27is real but so are the costs. Mega events like this demand huge logistical support. Transport
00:34planning, policing, crowd control and fan zones. FIFA keeps the commercial rights. Host cities pick up
00:40the bills. A council report claims the tournament could inject around £190 million into the regional
00:47economy. That's the South's pitch but independent evidence is thin. The economic boost depends on
00:52who foots the upfront costs and whether that money ever circles back into local services. Villa
00:58Park set for expansion ahead of the Men's Euros in 2028 looks the obvious venue. It fits FIFA's
01:05size requirements and has the infrastructure. It works dies on schedule but there's no confirmation
01:11yet of any formal agreement or how match die operations would be funded. For now the council
01:17size is focused on proving its readiness but readiness means more than enthusiasm. It means showing
01:23taxpayers that the city can host a World Cup match without sliding in deep at debt. Because
01:29for Birmingham the real legacy won't be about slogans or spectacle. It will be about whether
01:34the numbers add up once the crowds have gone and whether the promises survived the invoices.
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