While most of the soccer world is focused on the men at the World Cup, the countdown has begun for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Set to kick off on June 24, 2027, this tournament marks a historic moment as it will be hosted by a South American country for the first time, following Brazil’s previous men’s World Cup hosting in 1950 and 2014.
FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis highlighted the excitement surrounding this event during a recent gathering in Miami, stating, “I think that the host country, it sleeps and breathes football. So, I think just the energy you’re going to see from the public, the general public, and obviously the teams touching down in Brazil, I mean, it’s such a unique, special country.” She emphasized that the tournament will showcase the extraordinary talent of women’s football, creating an epic display of sport and passion.
Countdown events for the tournament have already begun, with celebrations held in Miami and Rio de Janeiro. During the recent World Cup match between Switzerland and co-host Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia, video signage promoted the upcoming women’s tournament, further exemplifying the global anticipation.
All eight cities that will host matches for the women’s tournament—Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Porto Alegre, Recife, and Salvador—previously hosted men’s games in 2014. This continuity highlights Brazil’s rich footballing heritage.
Qualification for the tournament is already underway, with Brazil securing an automatic berth as the host nation. However, the Brazilian team, which has never won the women’s tournament, faces questions about the participation of legendary player Marta. At 40 years old, Marta, a six-time FIFA World Player of the Year, has yet to triumph in a major international competition.
Thirteen teams have qualified so far, including Australia, the Philippines, Japan, North Korea, China, South Korea, Argentina, Colombia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Spain, and Denmark. As Brazilian Soccer Confederation President Samir Xaud expressed, “There is only one year left until the moment that will be marked in the history of our country. For the CBF and for all Brazilians, it is a source of great pride to host the Women’s World Cup. It will be an opportunity to show the world our passion for football and, above all, the strength of Brazilian women’s football.”
The inaugural Women’s World Cup was held in 1991 in China, with the United States leading the way in titles, having won four championships. Spain claimed the most recent title in 2023 at the tournament co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Women’s soccer has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, reflected in the establishment of new leagues and increased viewership and revenue.
The upcoming tournament in Brazil will be the last to feature 32 teams. Starting in 2031, the event will expand to include 48 teams, similar to the men’s tournament. This expansion is expected to further enhance the competitiveness and diversity of the global game.
Looking ahead, the 2031 World Cup is anticipated to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica, with a formal announcement expected in November. Ellis noted the rapid evolution of women’s soccer, stating, “The growth of the game is accelerating rapidly, and I think by 2031 we certainly will have a very competitive World Cup.”
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
