Brazil Awarded 2027 Women’s World Cup, Marking Historic First for South America
Image Source: Brazil was declared the host of the 2027 Women’s World Cup after receiving most votes in a ballot by the FIFA Congress on Friday
Published by Everything ZA News
BANGKOK – In a landmark decision, Brazil was chosen to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, defeating a joint bid from Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany. The 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok witnessed this historic moment, marking the first time South America will stage the prestigious tournament.
This decision comes on the heels of a hugely successful 2023 Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The tournament shattered records, generating a staggering $570 million in commercial revenue and showcasing a global rise in the popularity of women’s football. Building on this momentum, FIFA sought to further expand the sport’s reach by taking the World Cup to a new region.
Delegates at the congress voted 119-78 in favor of Brazil’s bid, sparking jubilation from the Brazilian delegation. The nation, home to legendary player Marta Vieira da Silva, boasts a strong footballing tradition. However, their proposal faced competition from a well-resourced European bid. Ultimately, FIFA’s evaluation report favored Brazil, citing the potential for a “tremendous impact on women’s football in the region.”
Brazil’s plan utilizes 10 stadiums that were used during the 2014 men’s World Cup, including the iconic Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro which is slated to host the opening match and the final. However, significant infrastructure upgrades are necessary, particularly for the Amazonia stadium in Manaus, which has seen minimal use in recent years. Furthermore, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has faced legal challenges surrounding its leadership.
Beyond the Game: A Look at the 2023 Tournament
While the men’s team boasts five World Cup titles, the Brazilian women’s team has yet to claim the trophy. Their most recent performance, a group-stage exit in 2023, highlights the need for continued development.
The 2023 World Cup expansion, increasing teams from 24 to 32, proved a resounding success. Over 1.4 million fans witnessed a tournament filled with upsets, dramatic comebacks, and a significant rise in overall playing quality. Gone were the days of lopsided scores that plagued previous editions. Seven nations celebrated their first World Cup victories, while powerhouses like the United States and Germany were eliminated early.
The lone dark spot came after the final in Sydney, where Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales drew fierce criticism for forcibly kissing player Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony. He currently faces prosecution for sexual assault.
Shifting the Focus: Financial Parity and Geopolitical Tensions
This FIFA Congress, held for the first time in football-crazed Thailand, marked a commitment to transparency. Open voting replaced the previous system, a move aimed at distancing the organization from past corruption scandals. The delegate pool was further simplified when the United States and Mexico withdrew their joint bid, opting instead to focus on the 2031 tournament.
As Brazil gears up for 2027, a key issue remains: the significant financial disparity between the men’s and women’s game. While the 2023 Women’s World Cup offered a record $110 million in prize money, it falls far short of the $440 million awarded at the 2022 men’s tournament in Qatar.
The congress also witnessed a tense exchange between the Palestinian and Israeli Football Associations. The Palestinian FA called for Israel’s suspension from FIFA, citing violations of regulations and the ongoing conflict in Palestine. The Israeli FA rejected these claims. FIFA President Gianni Infantino pledged to seek legal counsel and make a decision by July 20th.
Finally, the congress approved changes to FIFA statutes, including removing the requirement to maintain headquarters in Zurich. Additionally, the number of committees was significantly expanded, raising concerns about a potential return to a patronage system.
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