The USA and Mexico have withdrawn their bid to host the 2027 Women's World Cup, leaving Brazil as favourites.

Brazil is now in pole position to host the first Women's World Cup in South America. Photo: Getty Images

The United States and Mexico have withdrawn their joint bid to host the 2027 Women's World Cup, saying they will instead focus their efforts on trying to host the 2031 tournament.

Announcement has been made from the US Soccer Federation and the Mexican Soccer Federation. less than three weeks before the FIFA Congress votes on naming the hosts for the 2027 championship on May 17 in Bangkok, Thailand.

According to their decision, only two applications remained: now the clear favorite is Brazil, and a joint application from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. The Women's World Cup, which was last held in Australia and New Zealand in 2023, has never been held in South America before.

All 211 member associations of the world governing body will vote at the FIFA Congress on the appointment of hosts. Many sources expect that some element of voting by the continental bloc is entirely possible. This was the case for the 2023 host vote — although the decision was made by a much smaller group of votes, the FIFA Council — with each of the confederation's representatives voting in unison with their geographical neighbors.

Women's Sports Newsletter

Commentary and analysis of important talking points delivered to your inbox every month. Register for free

European football's biggest voting ally in recent years has been South America, but most Conmebol countries are likely to back Brazil's bid. , which will see the competition make its debut on the continent. Brazil's proposal is expected to be popular in much of Africa and Concacaf countries, including North and Central America and the Caribbean.

Brazil, which last hosted the men's version of the World Cup in 2014, has proposed hosting Women's final at the iconic Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Postponing their bid to 2031, the US and Mexico said in a joint statement: “For the first time in history, the [2031] bid will provide equal investment to the men's tournament, eliminating investment disparities to fully maximize the commercial potential of the women's tournament.

“The revised bid will allow American soccer to build on the experience and success of the 2026 Men's World Cup, better support our host cities, expand our partnerships and media deals, and further engage with our fans so we can deliver a record-breaking World Cup. breakthrough tournament in 2031.»

Along with Canada, the United States and Mexico will host the 2026 Men's World Cup, which will be the first expanded tournament with 48 teams.

Ivar Sisniega, Federation President Mexico's football team added: «After careful analysis, we believe that moving our bid to 2031 will allow us to progress and prepare for the most successful Women's World Cup ever.

“The strength and versatility of our professional women's leagues, combined with our experience organizing the 2026 World Cup, means we will be able to provide the best infrastructure possible, as well as an enthusiastic fan base that will make all participating teams feel right at home and will organize a World Cup that will contribute to the further development of women's football.”

Spain are the winners of the women's trophy after defeating England last August. final in Sydney.