FIFA members set to decide host for 2027 Women’s World Cup

The race to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup is heating up as the FIFA Congress prepares to make a decision between two final candidates this week in Bangkok.

With the joint bid from the United States and Mexico and South Africa’s candidacy both withdrawn, the field has narrowed down to just two contenders: a joint proposal from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, and a bid from Brazil.

Brazil, favored to win the contest, received high marks in a recent FIFA evaluation report, with Brazilian football confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues stating that the country has met all the rigorous demands of the bidding process.

Brazil’s bid, titled “As Natural as Football,” focuses on inspiring women and girls while promoting sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusion. The country has previously hosted two men’s World Cups and the 2016 Olympics, but has never hosted a Women’s World Cup.

On the other hand, the “BNG” proposal from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany emphasizes a compact tournament with 13 accessible host cities. This collaboration marks the first time these traditional rivals have come together as prospective hosts.

While there are concerns about the legal framework in the BNG proposal, German federation secretary general Heike Ullrich is confident that any issues will be resolved. The economic benefits of hosting the Women’s World Cup are also significant, with the event generating millions of dollars in economic activity for previous hosts.

As the FIFA Congress prepares to vote on the host for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, the decision will not only impact the future of women’s football but also bring economic opportunities to the chosen host country.