Brazil Chosen to Host 2027 Women’s World Cup Amid FIFA Controversies

Brazil was selected to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup on Friday, outbidding a joint proposal from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany at a FIFA congress that was heavily influenced by discussions about the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Following the highly successful 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand, which generated a record $570 million in commercial revenue, FIFA is continuing its efforts to expand women’s football by bringing the tournament to South America for the first time. Delegates gathered in Bangkok, where the vote resulted in a 119 to 78 decision in favor of Brazil, sparking celebrations from the Brazilian delegation.

Brazil, the homeland of women’s football legend Marta, outperformed its European competitors in FIFA’s evaluation. The FIFA inspectors emphasized the “tremendous impact on women’s football in the region” that hosting the Women’s World Cup in South America would bring. Brazil’s proposal includes using 10 stadiums that were part of the 2014 Men’s World Cup, with the renowned Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro set to host both the opening match and the final. However, some facilities, such as the Amazonia stadium in Manaus, will require significant renovations as they have seen little use over the past decade. Additionally, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is facing internal challenges, including legal disputes involving its president.

Unlike their male counterparts, who have secured five World Cup titles, Brazil’s women’s team has yet to win the trophy and was eliminated in the group stage of the 2023 tournament. The 2023 Women’s World Cup exceeded expectations, disproving concerns that expanding the number of teams from 24 to 32 would dilute the competition. Over 1.4 million fans attended, witnessing numerous upsets and tightly contested matches, demonstrating the growth and rising standard of women’s football. Seven teams achieved their first World Cup victories, while traditional powerhouses like the United States and Germany were eliminated early.

However, the 2023 tournament was not without controversy. After Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in the final, Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales sparked outrage by forcibly kissing player Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony. Rubiales is now facing prosecution for sexual assault.

At the 74th FIFA congress in Thailand, which featured its first open vote, delegates had a simplified choice after the United States and Mexico withdrew their joint bid to focus on the 2031 edition. The congress also heard a proposal from the Palestinian FA (PFA) to suspend Israel from FIFA and ban Israeli teams from participating in FIFA events. PFA head Jibril Rajoub accused the Israeli FA (IFA) of violating FIFA rules, while his Israeli counterpart, Shino Moshe Zuares, dismissed the call as “cynical, political and hostile.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that independent legal advice would be sought on the matter, with a decision expected by July 20. The congress also approved changes to FIFA’s statutes, removing the rule that fixed its headquarters in Zurich since 1932, allowing for potential relocation. Additionally, delegates voted to increase the number of committees from seven to 35, reversing reforms implemented in 2016 aimed at addressing corruption scandals, which critics argue may reintroduce a system of patronage.