2018 England

The MK Stadium is the stadium of Milton Keynes Dons FC. It is a very new stadium, having been opened on the 29^th November 2007. Surprisingly, this stadium has been thrown in the hat to host some of the World Cup 2018 matches should England be successful in their hosting bid. Not only has the stadium name been mentioned, but also the MK Dons chairman believes that it stands a very good chance of being chosen. MK Dons are currently playing in League 2 but stand a good chance of being promoted.

The capacity of the stadium is currently 22000 but currently ongoing infrastructural work means that this will go up to 32000 in 18 months’ time, and who knows what may happen in 10 years’ time. The standard of the stadium is very high, being given a four-star rating by UEFA, meaning it can host a UEFA Cup final. The chairman believes that the MK Stadium stands a good chance because most other English stadium are all crowded into London, North East or North West. MK Stadium is situated in South East England, so this will come into consideration by the FA in order to try and spread the competition over the whole country.

Milton Keynes Stadium

Pete Winkelman (Dons chairman) also believes that the stadium can withstand heavy pressures and will be able to cope with World Cup attendances. The only factor that stands in Dons’ way is their lack of stadium use for bigger leagues like the Championship or Premier League, where they can prove to the FA that the stadium has all the security requirements and necessary facilities to accommodate the thousands of fans that travel for the World Cup.