The Women’s World Cup will take place in South America for the first time. Brazil was chosen to host the 2027 edition at a FIFA congress on Friday, marked by debate about the Gaza onslaught.
Following the success of Australia and New Zealand in 2023, which earned a record $570 million in commercial revenue, FIFA aims to expand women’s football to new continents.
The delegates meeting in Bangkok voted 119 to 78 in favour of Brazil over a joint bid from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.
The decision sparked celebrations from the Brazilian bid team. Brazil, home to women’s football great Marta, scored higher than its European rival in FIFA’s evaluation report.
FIFA inspectors 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 used for the men’s World Cup in 2014. Rio de Janeiro’s famous Maracana is lined up for the opening match and final.
However, work needs to be done on the Amazonia stadium in Manaus, which has stood almost unused for a decade.
The Brazilian Football Confederation faces turmoil with legal challenges to its president. Unlike their male counterparts, who have won five World Cups, Brazil’s women have never lifted the trophy and made a group-stage exit in 2023.
