Brazil named as hosts for 2027 Women's World Cup

Brazil will become the first South American country to host a Women's World Cup after beating a joint bid by Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany to stage the 2027 edition of the competition.

For the first time ever, the bidding process was decided by an open vote at the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand. Member associations voted 119 to 78 in favour of Brazil.

FIFA will hope to build on the success of last year's tournament in Australia and New Zealand, in which Spain became champions for the first time after defeating England 1-0 in the final in Sydney. In Brazil's own history in the competition, they have been runners up just once in 2007 when they were beaten by Germany.

In April, the United States and Mexico withdrew their bid to host the 2027 tournament to instead focus on bidding in 2031, while South Africa pulled out of the race back in November, leaving a two horse race between Brazil and BNG.

"Congratulations to Brazil," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said. "We will have the best World Cup in Brazil. Many thanks as well to the BNG bid, who have been fantastic."

Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, added: "I would like to thank everyone who participated in the FIFA Congress for their trust in choosing Brazil to host the 2027 Women's World Cup. Today we are experiencing a historic day in Bangkok. This is a victory for world women's football. I assure you all that Brazil it will be the best Women's World Cup in history.

"This FIFA decision announced tonight will have a major positive impact on Brazilian women's football and on the lives of millions of women in Brazil. In addition to investing in the World Cup, the entire women's football production chain in Brazil and North America South will take an immense leap in development."

The 2027 edition of the tournament will feature 32 teams and will take place across 10 cities.

The decision comes three weeks after Brazil legend Marta announced her retirement from international football. The 38-year-old confirmed in April she will step away from the national team this year, but could still feature at the Olympic Games in France if she is selected.

Marta is Brazil's all-time record goalscorer with 123 goals in 196 appearances for her country. She was also part of the team that came agonisingly close to winning the World Cup in 2007 when Brazil were beaten by Germany.

Another Brazil legend, Cristiane, who turned 39 this week, expressed how magical it will be to have Women's World Cup staged in her home nation. "Me and other players, we didn’t imagine this happening, a World Cup coming to Brazil," she told FIFA.com.

"It will be absolutely magical. We have to enjoy this to the maximum. It’s amazing for Brazilian women’s football. It’s amazing for women’s football because we know that Brazil will put on a show.

"The passion Brazilians have for football is crazy. They’re really, really passionate. I think it will be huge for women’s football."

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