For the first time, South America will host the Women’s World Cup, as Brazil was chosen to host the 2027 tournament during a FIFA congress on Friday, which also included discussions on the Gaza conflict.
FIFA members selected Brazil over a European bid, following the success of the previous tournament held in Australia and New Zealand. Brazil won the vote against a joint bid from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, with delegates in Bangkok voting 119 to 78 in favor of bringing the 10th Women’s World Cup to the home of samba football.
The Brazilian bid team was delighted with the decision. “A victory for Latin American football and women’s football in Latin America,” declared Ednaldo Rodrigues, President of the Brazilian Football Confederation.
In FIFA’s evaluation report, Brazil—home to women’s football legend Marta—outscored its European competitor. FIFA inspectors highlighted the significant impact South America’s hosting would have on women’s football in the region.
Brazil plans to use ten stadiums for the event, including Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracanã, which will host the opening and final matches. However, some venues, such as Manaus’s Amazonia Stadium, require significant work as they have been underutilized for years.
Despite the triumph, Brazil’s women’s team has yet to win the World Cup or advance past the group stage in the 2023 tournament, contrasting with their male counterparts, who have secured five titles.
The previous Women’s World Cup set records, generating $570 million in commercial revenue and attracting over 1.4 million spectators. The expansion from 24 to 32 teams surpassed expectations, showcasing the improved standards in women’s football and eliminating past disparities. Notably, the United States and Germany, who had dominated previous tournaments, were eliminated early, and seven teams won their first World Cup matches.
The only negative aspect of the last tournament was the controversy following the Sydney final, where Spain defeated England 1-0. Spanish Football Federation Chief Luis Rubiales, now facing prosecution for sexual assault, caused outrage by forcibly kissing midfielder Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony.
At the 74th FIFA Congress in Thailand, decisions were made to address past corruption and dubious practices through an open vote. The withdrawal of Mexico and the United States from their joint bid made the decision easier for delegates.
As the 2027 event approaches, discussions will likely focus on the financial disparity between men’s and women’s football. Despite the record prize money of $110 million for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, it pales compared to the $440 million awarded at the men’s tournament in Qatar in 2022.
Debates on Gaza were also held during the congress. Mr. Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, declared that the organization would seek independent legal advice on relevant matters and that a decision would be made by July 20th. Additionally, Congress approved amendments to the FIFA statutes, allowing the potential relocation of its headquarters from Zurich, where it has been since 1932.
Delegates also decided to increase the number of FIFA committees from seven to 35, reversing measures taken in 2016 to combat corruption. The new committees will focus on women’s football, combating racism, and eSports, though critics fear a return to the patronage system the reforms aimed to eliminate.
Infantino also proposed new initiatives, including a “legends” World Cup and a World Cup or festival for under-15 players.
