The host nation (or nations) for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be voted by the 211 FIFA members’ at the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok on Friday, May 17.

The nations involved in the bid

At the start of 2024, there were three bids in the running to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but now the vote will decide between only two.

The USA and Mexico withdrew their joint bid on April 29, planning to focus on the 2031 edition instead.

This will enable the two nations to give their full attention to the 2026 Men’s World Cup, which they will host with Canada.

This now leaves only two bids remaining, one of which is a joint bid of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands (BNG).

The European trio will be up against Brazil, who look to be the first South American nation to host a Women’s World Cup.

The current set-up

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May 17 will mark the first time that a decision on the host nation of a Women’s World Cup is made by the full FIFA Congress.

Previously, the vote was taken by the FIFA Executive Committee, and later, the FIFA Council.

Last year’s Women’s World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand, featured 32 teams for the first time.

There will continue to be 32 teams in the 2027 edition, with Spain the reigning champions, having beaten England in the Final.

Brazil as favourites

In the FIFA’s Bid Evaluation Report, released May 7, BNG was given 3.7 out of 5 available points in its technical evaluation, whilst Brazil received 4.0.

The report said of Brazil’s bid: “It is worth noting that, if the bid were successful, South America would be hosting the competition for the first time, which could have a tremendous impact on women’s football in the region.”

Both bids meet the criteria required to host, with Brazil scoring higher on technical points such as fan zones, transportation, accommodation and stadiums.

Despite the report not being binding, Brazil stands as the clear favourite.

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Chance for BNG

Germany still has high hopes of winning their bid with Belgium and the Netherlands.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said: “We would be ready for a World Cup in the heart of Europe that promotes women and women’s football, is sustainable and focuses on the fans. We are all eagerly awaiting that.”

FIFA’s report emphasised the “short distances between the proposed venues” and the resultant “compact tournament footprint.”

It added that Brazil’s proposed set-up would be “carbon intensive” due the significant air travel that would need to be made between the host cities.

DFB (German Football Association) sporting director and former Germany player Nia Künzer said of BNG: “I believe that we can offer a World Cup with excellent infrastructure and organization, with short distances between venues and the prospect of a very good financial return, which will flow back into the worldwide development of women’s football.”

The final decision between these last two bids will be made in Bangkok on May 17.


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