For the first time, the Women’s World Cup will be held in South America, with Brazil set to host the 2027 edition following a decision at a FIFA congress on Friday. The selection of Brazil over a joint bid from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany marks a significant step in expanding women’s football to new continents. The vote in Bangkok resulted in 119 votes for Brazil against 78 for the European bid, leading to celebrations from the Brazilian bid team. Ednaldo Rodrigues, President of the Brazilian Football Confederation, praised the decision as a “victory for Latin American football and for women’s football in Latin America.”
Brazil’s bid outperformed its European rival in FIFA’s evaluation report, which highlighted the potential “tremendous impact on women’s football in the region.” The bid includes plans to use 10 stadiums from the 2014 men’s World Cup, with the iconic Maracana in Rio de Janeiro slated for the opening match and final. However, some venues, like the Amazonia stadium in Manaus, will require renovations. Despite Brazil’s women’s team never having won the World Cup and their early exit in 2023, the country’s selection as host is seen as a pivotal moment for the sport in South America.
The last Women’s World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand, set new records, generating $570 million in commercial revenue and attracting over 1.4 million fans. The tournament’s expansion from 24 to 32 teams proved successful, with competitive matches and numerous upsets, signaling a rise in the standard of women’s football. The event, however, was marred by controversy when Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales forcibly kissed player Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony, leading to widespread outrage and legal action against Rubiales for sexual assault.