The 2027 Women’s World Cup will mark a historic moment as South America hosts the tournament for the first time, with Brazil selected as the host nation during a FIFA congress on Friday.
Following the success of Australia and New Zealand last year, FIFA members opted for Brazil over a European bid, aiming to expand the reach of women’s football to new continents.
During the congress in Bangkok, delegates voted 119 to 78 in favor of Brazil, choosing the land of samba football over a joint bid from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. The decision was met with jubilation from the Brazilian bid team.
Brazilian Football Confederation President Ednaldo Rodrigues described it as a “victory for Latin American football and for women’s football in Latin America.”
Brazil, known for women’s football icon Marta, received higher ratings than its European competitor in FIFA’s evaluation report. Inspectors highlighted the potential “tremendous impact on women’s football in the region” by hosting the Women’s World Cup in South America.
Brazil’s bid features 10 stadiums previously used in the men’s World Cup in 2014, with Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana slated for the opening match and final. However, renovations are needed, particularly for the Amazonia stadium in Manaus, which has been largely unused for a decade.
Despite Brazil’s men winning five World Cups, the women’s team has never claimed the title and faced an early exit in 2023.
The 2027 tournament holds promise, building on the success of last year’s event, which generated $570 million in commercial revenue and attracted over 1.4 million spectators. The expansion to 32 teams did not diminish the excitement, with a higher standard of play evident and several first-time winners emerging.
While the tournament showcased the growth of women’s football, it was marred by controversy after the final in Sydney, where Spain defeated England. Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales faces prosecution for sexual assault after forcibly kissing midfielder Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony.
