England to host 2031 Netball World Cup at Manchester's Co-op Live

England will host the 2031 Netball World Cup at Manchester's Co-op Live indoor arena, World Netball and England Netball announced on Thursday. It will be the fourth time England has staged the quadrennial tournament.

Liverpool staged the event when England last hosted in 2019, while Eastbourne put on the inaugural tournament in 1963 and Birmingham hosted the 1995 edition. The announcement was made by the two governing bodies as England Netball marks its centenary year.

World Netball president Liz Nicholl said: "After reviewing their strong bid, I am confident England Netball will host another thrilling international event, and I am excited to see what we can achieve together in 2031 and beyond."

England were beaten 61-45 by 12-time winners Australia in the 2023 World Cup final in Cape Town; the 2023 appearance was their first final match, although they had finished as runners-up in 1975 when the tournament was contested in a league format.

Baroness Sue Campbell, chair of England Netball, said: "To have the best netball players in the world coming to Manchester is a hugely exciting prospect, and I know the city will give them the welcome they deserve. "This is a fantastic opportunity not only to showcase our sport on the biggest stage, but also to inspire the next generation of players and fans." England Netball chief executive Fran Connolly said the tournament would provide "a powerful platform to grow the visibility, profile and impact of women's sport and netball across the UK".

The Co-op Live arena hosted this year's Netball Super League Grand Final between AO Thunder and London Pulse, which was played in front of more than 8,000 fans.

The 2031 Netball World Cup will be staged at Manchester's Co-op Live indoor arena. World Netball and England Netball made the announcement on Thursday.