The Rise of Women’s Sports: How the 2027 Women’s World Cup Will Shatter Global Viewership Records

By Jayson Panganiban June 08, 2025 12:41

The momentum behind women’s sports has reached an unprecedented level, and the upcoming 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup promises to be a landmark event that will shatter global viewership records. Scheduled to be hosted by Brazil the first time the tournament will take place in South America the 2027 edition is poised to build on the explosive growth witnessed in recent years, setting new standards for attendance, broadcast audiences, and commercial impact.

A New Era for Women’s Soccer

The 2023 Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, already broke records with a total attendance of around 1.8 million fans and cumulative broadcast audiences surpassing two billion worldwide. Caitlin Murray, a noted soccer analyst, predicted that the 2027 tournament would “explode” across every metric, from attendance and TV ratings to merchandise sales. She highlighted how the 2023 event marked a turning point, with FIFA finally embracing merchandising on a large scale, something that was notably absent in prior tournaments.

Brazil’s hosting of the 2027 Cup brings a vibrant football culture and a passionate fanbase, ensuring packed stadiums across eight host cities including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Brasília. FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Brazil’s commitment, emphasizing the tournament’s potential to create “unforgettable moments” and a “widespread positive impact.” The bid projects over 2.1 million tickets sold, signaling a significant increase in stadium attendance compared to previous editions.

Record-Breaking Viewership and Streaming

U.S. viewership alone has seen remarkable growth. The 2023 Women’s World Cup matches averaged millions of viewers, with the stage match between the U.S. and the Netherlands drawing 6.4 million on FOX and the final averaging 2.2 million across multiple platforms. The 2019 final set a high bar with nearly 14 million viewers on FOX, and the 2015 final peaked at 23 million viewers. With Netflix securing exclusive U.S. streaming rights for 2027 and 2031, the accessibility and global reach of the tournament are expected to surge even further, attracting younger and more diverse audiences.

Commercial Growth and Economic Impact

FIFA is targeting $1 billion in revenue from the 2027 Women’s World Cup, nearly doubling the $570 million generated in 2023. This ambitious goal reflects the rapid commercial growth of women’s football and its expanding global footprint. Infantino underscored the sport’s unique position as the only women’s team sport commanding such a significant international audience and economic influence.

The Brazilian tournament is also set to benefit from favorable logistics and cost structures, with initiatives like free public transport for fans enhancing accessibility and fan engagement. Sponsorship, merchandise, hospitality, and ticket sales are all expected to reach new heights, further fueling investment into women’s football development programs worldwide.

A Catalyst for Women’s Sports Worldwide

The 2027 Women’s World Cup symbolizes more than just a sporting event; it represents a cultural shift in the recognition and celebration of women athletes. The tournament’s expansion to 32 teams for the second time, with plans to grow to 48 teams by 2031, reflects FIFA’s commitment to inclusivity and global growth. It also serves as a catalyst for increased media coverage, grassroots participation, and commercial opportunities across all women’s sports.

As the world prepares for this historic tournament, the 2027 Women’s World Cup stands poised to not only break records but also to inspire a new generation of athletes and fans, cementing women’s sports as a dominant force on the global stage.