Brazil have been named hosts of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, beating off a strong challenge of the joint bid by Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
The announcement was made at the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok on Friday (17 May 2024), with the South Americans becoming the first nation to be handed the rights by an open vote.
Member Associations voted 119 to 78 in favour of Brazil, and it will be the first time they host the women’s football spectacle.
“This is a win for women’s football in South America, and for women’s football everywhere which FIFA works every day to improve and strengthen,” said Ednaldo Rodrigues, President of the Brazilian Football Association (CBF). “You can be certain that, without wanting to be vain, we will try to stage the biggest and best FIFA Women’s World Cup™ of all. I hope you can all come to Brazil and enjoy the hospitality of our country.”
Prior to the vote, the delegates’ work was made easy after the USA and Mexico withdrew their joint bid last month, choosing instead to focus on bidding for the 2031 edition, the same reason South Africa gave when they withdrew in November last year.
China, Sweden, the United States, Germany, Canada, France, Australia and New Zealand have all also previously hosted the competition.
Brazil scored higher than their rivals according to the FIFA evaluation report. The iconic Maracanã Stadium will be part of the 10 venues used for the 10th edition of the tournament. The Rio de Janeiro venue will host the opening match and the final.
Brazil hosted the men’s World Cup in 1950 and 2014.
After a successful 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which was expanded from 24 to 32 teams, the 2027 tournament will follow the same format.
Spain are the reigning champions after beating England in the final, while former winners USA and Germany were dumped out early.
However questions still remain to the pay disparity despite the 2023 tournament having a prize money of USD110 million, but still falling short of the USD440 million allocated to the men’s game.
It was the first time a FIFA Congress was held in Asia.
By Matlhomola Morake
