Hosting major international football tournaments is about much more than the tournament itself. Increasingly what is left behind and how it impacts the game and society going forward is core to the planning. BNG’s 2027 World Cup bid has put legacy at the centre of it plans.
Ever since discussions began among our three Associations – the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) and German Football Association (DFB) – around the feasibility of presenting a joint candidacy to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 back in 2019 the legacy pillar has been positioned at the heart of our exchanges.
Since day one the long-term legacy impact of a successful BNG2027 bid has been at the forefront of our thinking. This has led us to shape and design a Vision around a clear objective of ensuring that a successful BNG2027 bid will have a long lasting, positive impact.
As we are continuously reminded, football has the power to change lives for the better and impact society in a manner that few other sectors can rival. As governing bodies, we have a responsibility and take very seriously the need to live up to that reality and follow words with meaningful and tangible actions.
This commitment has driven us to design a legacy pillar that not only sets high standards but also promises a lasting impact which will be felt before the start of the tournament and continues to reverberate well beyond the summer of 2027. The pillar is designed around a number of core objectives which align and aim at supporting FIFA in the delivery of its own ambitious Women’s football strategy, and which include the following:
- Increasing Player Participation: By leveraging the global spotlight of the tournament, we aim to amplify participation rates among girls and women in football worldwide, fostering inclusivity and diversity within the sport.
- Empowering Women: Our focus extends beyond the pitch, as we seek to empower women through football, providing platforms for leadership, skill development, and advocacy, thereby driving societal change.
- Enhancing Commercial Value: Recognizing the economic potential of women’s football, we aspire to boost its commercial value through strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and marketing initiatives, thereby securing long-term sustainability and growth.
The significance of hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 transcends beyond a meaningful local impact. It reflects our steadfast commitment to advancing women’s football on a global scale, pioneering new frontiers across all FIFA Member Associations (MAs), irrespective of their tournament participation as we seek to support FIFA fulfil its ambitions in deepening and accelerating the women’s game globally.
Hosting an expertly managed World Cup coupled with increased global broadcaster interest and exposure, and a high level of on-field spectacle, will help attract millions of new fans, deepen commercial growth, and investment in the game, which is crucial for the long-term success and sustainability of women’s football worldwide.
To deliver on this vision and help meet our core legacy objectives, we have designed a multifaceted approach that connects FIFA Member Association’s, particularly those in nascent stages of their women’s football journey, through innovative programs linked to the hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 and which include a series of flagship initiatives:
- KickstartHER: A global empowerment program harnessing football to promote holistic well-being, sustainability, and female leadership, inspiring the next generation of female players and change makers worldwide.
- NextGen: An immersive opportunity for young talents from interested Member Associations to gain invaluable work experience in our countries, fostering cross-cultural exchange and skill development in preparation for the tournament.
- BNG Unite: A dynamic educational platform comprising 26 virtual and on-site events designed to facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collaboration among FIFA Member Associations, culminating in the FIFA Women’s Football Convention in 2027 as the 27th event.
Our commitment to establishing a long-lasting legacy to help advance women’s football does not end here. A successful BNG2027 bid signifies just the beginning of a transformative journey that promises to Break New Ground for women’s football globally, paving the way for true empowerment, equality, and excellence.
Katrien Jans, Head of Women’s Football, RBFA
Lucienne Reichardt, Head of Women’s Football, KNVB
Doris Fitschen, General Coordinator Women in Football, DFB