The official countdown to the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil has begun.
While most of the soccer world is focused on the men's 2026 World Cup, FIFA is prepping for next year's action in South America with a series of celebrations that kicked off in the host country yesterday.
Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer monument lit up in Brazil's national colors on Wednesday, marking exactly one year until the city welcomes fans and players to soccer's biggest stage. The tournament opens June 24th, 2027, making Brazil the first South American country to host the women's event.
2027 Women's World Cup Format Change & Qualified Teams
Next year's tournament will also signal another milestone for the growing women's game, as 2027 will be the final tournament featuring a 32 team format. In 2031, the competition expands to 48 teams — mirroring the men's World Cup.
As qualifying for the Women's World Cup continues later this year, 14 teams have already locked in their spots. Past champions Spain and host country Brazil have booked their tickets, as have Denmark, France, Germany, Australia, China PR, Japan, Korea DPR, Korea Republic, Philippines, Argentina, Colombia, and New Zealand.
Major players like the USWNT, England, Sweden, and Canada will get their chance to slot in their names in late 2026.
FIFA Chief Football Officer and former USWNT coach Jill Ellis said Brazil "sleeps and breathes football," and pointed to the country's deep soccer culture as a natural fit for the tournament next year. Meanwhile, Brazilian federation president Samir Xaud described the event as a "source of great pride" for the Brazilian people.
"It will be an opportunity to show the world our passion for football and, above all, the strength of Brazilian women’s football," he said. "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."
