Getting Ready for the 2027 Women’s World Cup: A Super Simple Guide

Published: July 16, 2026, 10:41 a.m. ET

What’s Happening with the World Cups?

Right now, the men’s FIFA World Cup is almost finished. The big final match will be on Sunday, July 19, between Argentina and Spain. But while that is going on, we can also start looking ahead to the women’s big soccer tournament that happens only once every four years — the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Who Is Hosting the Women’s World Cup?

Unlike the men’s tournament (which is hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States), the women’s tournament in 2027 will be hosted by just one country: Brazil.

Important Point: Brazil will be the first South American country ever to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup!

How Many Teams Are In, and Who Is Left?

Out of the 32 teams that will play in 2027:

• 14 countries have already earned their spot.
• The other 18 spots will be decided before the official drawing (like picking teams out of a hat) is shown later this year.

What Happened Last Time (2023)?

• Spain won the 2023 Women’s World Cup by beating England 1–0.
• The United States has won the most titles ever — four Women’s World Cups.
• But in 2023, the U.S. was knocked out early (in the round of 16) by Sweden after a 5–4 penalty shootout (a tie-breaker where players take turns kicking at the goal).

Big Changes Coming After 2027

This 2027 tournament will be the last one with 32 teams. After that:

• FIFA (the big boss of world soccer) plans to expand to 48 teams for the 2031 tournament.
• No host country is officially chosen for 2031 yet.
• But people expect the United States, Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica to be picked as hosts.

When Is the Women’s World Cup?

Host country: Brazil

Tournament dates: June 24 – July 25, 2027

Host cities (and their stadiums):

• Belo Horizonte (Estádio Mineirão)
• Brasília (Estádio Nacional)
• Fortaleza (Arena Castelão)
• Porto Alegre (Estádio Beira-Rio)
• Recife (Arena de Pernambuco)
• Rio de Janeiro (Estádio do Maracanã)
• Salvador (Arena Fonte Nova)
• São Paulo (Arena Itaquera)

Qualified Teams So Far

Here are the teams that have already made it to the 2027 tournament:

• Host: Brazil
• Asian Football Confederation (AFC) – teams from Asia:
  • Australia
  • People’s Republic of China
  • Japan
  • Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
  • Korea Republic
  • Philippines
• Confederation of African Football (CAF) – teams from Africa: None yet
• CONCACAF (North, Central America & Caribbean): None yet
• South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL):
  • Argentina
  • Colombia
• Oceania Football Confederation (OFC):
  • New Zealand
• Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) – teams from Europe:
  • Denmark
  • France
  • Germany
  • Spain

Important Point: Only 14 of 32 teams are set. Africa and North/Central America/Caribbean have no qualified teams yet.

Summary

The men’s World Cup final is July 19 (Argentina vs. Spain). The 2027 Women’s World Cup will be in Brazil from June 24 to July 25, 2027, the first time a South American country hosts it. 14 teams are qualified, including host Brazil, six from Asia, two from South America, one from Oceania, and four from Europe. This is the last 32-team version; in 2031 it grows to 48 teams.

FAQ

1. When does the 2027 Women’s World Cup start and end?
It runs from June 24 to July 25, 2027.

2. Which country is hosting the 2027 Women’s World Cup?
Brazil is the sole host and the first South American country to do so.

3. How many teams will play in 2027?
32 teams. 14 are qualified now; 18 more will be added before the draw later in 2026.

4. Why is the 2027 tournament special?
It is the final Women’s World Cup with 32 teams before expanding to 48 in 2031.

5. Who won the last Women’s World Cup in 2023?
Spain won by beating England 1–0.