2027 Women's World Cup Brazil countdown begins with events in Miami, Rio, and Vancouver

The countdown to the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil has begun ahead of the June 24, 2027 kick-off. FIFA chief football officer Jill Ellis said Brazil's football culture will shape the tournament atmosphere. Events marking the milestone were held in Miami and Rio de Janeiro, with a nod during a match in Vancouver.

While attention remains on the men’s World Cup, planning is already underway for the 2027 Womens World Cup in Brazil. The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 24, 2027. It will be the first time a South American country hosts the womens event. Brazil previously staged the men’s World Cup in 1950 and 2014.

FIFA chief football officer Jill Ellis linked Brazil’s football culture with expectations for 2027. "I think that the host country, it sleeps and breathes football. So, I think just the energy youre going to see from the public, the general public, and obviously the teams touching down in Brazil, I mean, its such a unique, special country,\" Ellis said at an event Wednesday in Miami.

2027 Womens World Cup Brazil countdown events and host cities

Ellis said the tournament could match the atmosphere seen when major events bring fans together. \"I think the same energy youre going to feel right now when you bring the world together, and you have an incredible product in womens football, I mean, the level of quality the players is so extraordinary that I think, honestly, it will be an epic showcase of football and fandom.\"

Countdown activity took place in more than one location. Along with Miami, a separate event was held in Rio de Janeiro. FIFA promotion also appeared in Canada during Wednesday’s men’s match. In Vancouver, British Columbia, stadium video boards showed adverts for the 2027 womens tournament.

The host venue list repeats Brazil’s 2014 men’s World Cup footprint. All eight host cities for women’s matches also staged men’s games in 2014. The cities are Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Fortaleza, Porto Alegre, Recife and Salvador.

2027 Womens World Cup Brazil qualification and Brazil squad questions

Qualification matches have already started for the 2027 event. Brazil will take part automatically as hosts. The national team has never won the Womens World Cup. It also remains unclear if Marta will be selected. The 40-year-old is a six-time FIFA world player of the year.

Marta has not won a major international tournament. Thirteen teams have already qualified besides Brazil. The list includes Australia, Philippines, Japan, North Korea, China, South Korea, Argentina, Colombia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Spain and Denmark.

2027 Womens World Cup Brazil legacy, history and future expansion

Brazilian soccer confederation president Samir Xaud described the tournament as a national milestone. \"There is only one year left until the moment that will be marked in the history of our country. For the CBF Brazilian soccer confederation and for all Brazilians, it is a source of great pride to host the Womens World Cup,\" Xaud said in a statement.

Xaud said the event would highlight Brazil’s football culture and women’s game. \"It will be an opportunity to show the world our passion for football and, above all, the strength of Brazilian womens football. We are certain that this will be a transformative World Cup, capable of inspiring girls in all regions of Brazil and leaving a lasting legacy.\"

The first Womens World Cup took place in 1991, with China as host. The United States leads the winners list with four titles. Spain won the most recent edition in 2023. That tournament was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

Organisers said the women’s game has grown fast in the past decade. The report cited more leagues and higher viewership and revenue. The 2027 Womens World Cup in Brazil will be the final edition with 32 teams. From 2031, the tournament is set to expand to 48.

The 2031 tournament is expected to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica. A formal decision is likely in November. Ellis said earlier worries about 32 teams eased after the last tournament. \"I think when we went to 32 there was some noise, are were ready, are there going to be blowouts?\" Ellis said.

Ellis said recent results showed closer competition across nations. \"We saw an incredibly competitive landscape. We saw debutantes making the knockout rounds. I think the global game is accelerating so fast that countries are closing the gap a lot faster,\" Ellis said. Ellis added that organisers want teams to arrive well prepared. \"Our job is to make sure teams come in there as prepared and ready as they can, so we have the most competitive World Cup.\"

Ellis said the sport’s development supports the move to 48 teams in 2031. \"So I think the growth of the game is accelerating rapidly, and I think by 2031 we certainly will have a very competitive World Cup.\" With qualification underway and host plans public, Brazil’s 2027 tournament is taking shape well ahead of the June 24, 2027 start.

With inputs from PTI