The Women’s World Cup will take place in South America for the first time, as Brazil has been chosen to host the 2027 edition at a FIFA congress on Friday.
Following the success of Australia and New Zealand’s hosting last year, FIFA members selected Brazil over a European bid, aiming to expand women’s football to new continents.
The delegates meeting in Bangkok voted 119 to 78 in favour of sending the 10th Women’s World Cup to Brazil, defeating a joint bid from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.
The decision sparked celebrations from the Brazilian bid team.
Brazilian Football Confederation President Ednaldo Rodrigues hailed it as a “victory for Latin American football and for women’s football in Latin America”.
Brazil, home of women’s football great Marta, scored higher than its European rival in FIFA’s evaluation report.
FIFA inspectors had noted the “tremendous impact on women’s football in the region” that South America hosting the Women’s World Cup would have.
Brazil’s bid includes 10 stadiums that were used for the men’s World Cup in 2014, with Rio de Janeiro’s famous Maracana Stadium set to host the opening match and final. However, some venues, particularly the Amazonia Stadium in Manaus, require significant work, as it has stood almost unused for a decade.
While Brazil’s men have won five World Cups, the women’s team has never lifted the trophy and exited in the group stage in 2023.
Last year’s Women’s World Cup set records, including $570 million in commercial revenue. The tournament showcased the improved standard of women’s football, with no lopsided scorelines typical of previous editions. Seven teams secured their first World Cup wins, and both the United States and Germany, who had won six of the previous eight tournaments, were eliminated early.
The only sour note from last year’s tournament came after the final in Sydney, where Spain defeated England 1-0. Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales sparked outrage by forcibly kissing midfielder Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony, leading to his prosecution for sexual assault.