Infantino and FIFA’s interest in women’s soccer seems insincere

The 2027 Women’s World Cup is just around the corner, and the host country will finally be named in just a few months. However, the wait for the announcement contrasts starkly with the calm, unchallenged decision-making process for the men’s World Cup that will extend so far into the future. As writer Leander Schaerlaeckens points out in this article, the lack of planning and attention given to the Women’s World Cup by FIFA belies the fact that the event broke even at $570 million in revenues, showing its potential for growth and international interest.

2027 Women’s World Cup host yet to be determined
FIFA announced that the United States and Mexico, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, and Brazil are the potential hosts, with a decision to be made on May 17, 2024. This means the host of the next Women’s World Cup will not be known until three years before the tournament kicks off. The women’s World Cup has a significantly shorter lead time in choosing a host compared to the men’s World Cup, with the 2026 men’s World Cup to be jointly held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada being awarded nine years before the first game.

Saudi Arabia awarded 2034 World Cup
Saudi Arabia has been unofficially awarded the 2034 World Cup after being the only country to meet the October 31 deadline. The move has sparked controversy, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino coming under criticism for the unconventional process of awarding the tournament. Infantino has been accused of undermining the reform and transparency he pledged to bring to FIFA when he was elected.