The FIFA Congress, convening in Bangkok this week, is poised to select the host for the 2027 Women’s World Cup from a narrowed field of two contenders, as reported by the Associated Press on Thursday. Late last month, a joint bid from the United States and Mexico was withdrawn, and South Africa had already pulled out of the running in November. This leaves two remaining bids for Friday’s decisive vote: a collaborative proposal from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, and a standalone bid from Brazil.
This marks the first occasion where all 211 FIFA member associations will have a say in determining the host nation for the women’s tournament. Previously, this decision rested with the FIFA Council, the governing body’s decision-making arm. Brazil emerges as the favored candidate, particularly following a FIFA evaluation report last week that ranked their bid higher.
“Brazil has impeccably fulfilled all the stringent requirements of the bidding process,” stated Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of the Brazilian soccer confederation. Brazil’s bid, themed “As Natural as Football,” underscores its commitment to inspire women and girls while promoting sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusion.
The South American nation was previously in contention to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup but withdrew due to lingering pandemic-related challenges. Japan also withdrew late in that bidding process, leaving only two bids for consideration: Colombia and the joint bid from Australia and New Zealand, which ultimately won with 63 percent of the council’s vote.
The rival bid from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany proposes a collaborative effort among traditional rivals, showcasing 13 potential host cities accessible by train. Titled “Breaking New Ground,” the proposal marks the first collaboration of its kind between the three nations, building on their experience of co-hosting past tournaments.
“One key aspect for us was to ensure the tournament’s compactness,” emphasized Heike Ullrich, secretary-general of the German soccer federation. “The longest distance between venues is 300 kilometers, facilitating ease of travel for teams and fans alike.”
Hosting the Women’s World Cup promises substantial economic benefits, as evidenced by past tournaments. The 2015 event in Canada drew 1.35 million spectators and generated $493.6 million in economic activity. Last year’s event nearly doubled these figures, generating $865.7 million for Australia and $67.87 million for New Zealand.
While the United States and Mexico withdrew their bid in April, citing a projected $3 billion economic impact, concerns arose over an already congested sports calendar, with the 2026 men’s World Cup and the 2028 Olympics scheduled for North America. With the fate of the 2027 Women’s World Cup hanging in the balance, all eyes are on the FIFA Congress in Bangkok as delegates prepare to cast their votes and determine the future host of this prestigious tournament.