Brazil Bids for 2027 Women’s World Cup: Will FIFA Select a Host with a Past in Men’s Football?

In an evaluation report released by FIFA, Brazil has emerged as the top contender to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The country’s bid received an average score of 4.0 out of 5, surpassing the bids submitted by Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. This marks the first time that members of the soccer governing body will have an open vote to determine the tournament’s hosts.

Brazil has previously hosted the men’s World Cup in 1950 and 2014 but has never hosted the Women’s World Cup. Germany hosted the tournament in 2011, while Australia and New Zealand played host in 2023, marking a first as it was held in two countries. The FIFA Congress is scheduled to vote on Brazil’s bid alongside Germany’s joint European bid on May 17 at its meeting in Bangkok.

The technical evaluation noted that both bids met minimum hosting requirements, with Brazil receiving a slightly higher score than Germany’s joint European bid, which received a score of 3.7 out of 5. Last week saw the withdrawal of joint bids from both Mexico and the United States, with U.S Soccer announcing their focus on hosting the tournament in 2031 instead. South Africa also dropped its bid last year and stated they would aim for hosting in 2031 as well.

With no clear standout candidate to host next year’s women’s world cup this will be a closely watched decision by FIFA members when they gather for their congress in Thailand on May 17th