It’s all going on in the world of women’s football after Brazil were earlier announced as the official host of the 2027 World Cup.
Elsewhere, Emma Hayes has been speaking during her final pre-match press conference before she departs Chelsea and Marc Skinner has been handed a contract extension at Manchester United.
Read our other sports news stories:
Leeds captain Ampadu revels in silencing critics as Norwich swept aside
Hummels left out of Germany squad
Newcastle and Howe ready to do their part in race for Europe
Read on to catch up with all the latest news.
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Bring on Brazil
Brazil beat out competition from Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany to host the 2027 World Cup.
It was the first time the location of the tournament was decided by an open vote, with members voting 119 to 78 in favour of the South American nation.
It will be the first time a women’s World Cup has been hosted on the continent.
Brazil has hosted the men’s edition of the tournament twice, once in 1950 and again in 2014.
The Women’s World Cup will be hosted in South America for the first time 🇧🇷#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/NQA0ckzrww
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 17, 2024
They will join China, Sweden, the United States, Germany, Canada and France on the list of nations to welcome people from around the world for the summer competition.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “Congratulations to Brazil.
“We will have the best World Cup in Brazil. Many thanks as well to the BNG bid, who have been fantastic.”
Brazilian Football Confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues added: “We knew we would be celebrating a victory for South American women’s soccer and for women.
“You can be sure, with no vanity, we will accomplish the best World Cup for women.”
Hayes’ farewell
Emma Hayes gave an emotional farewell as she prepares to leave Chelsea this weekend.
The veteran manager has the chance to go out on a high, with the Blues in the driving seat ahead of the WSL’s final day.
She will become the USWNT head coach in the summer, with her first task being to guide them to victory at the Olympics.
And during her last pre-match press conference, she admitted she would not change a thing about her time in West London.
She said: “We all know I’m the sort of coach who wants to be as professional as I can until the end.
Watch Emma Hayes’ final press conference as a Chelsea manager as she previews our trip to United. https://t.co/NAOhnXSq2l
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) May 17, 2024
“I meant what I said, I want to have a great training session.
“We get to hopefully play in front of a close to sold-out crowd at Old Trafford.
“We get the opportunity to train so hard to be in with a shout of a title on the last day. I’m just extremely proud of the efforts of everyone to put us in this position.”
“I had my last drive into work today, my office is already cleared out, it’s my last coaching session with a group I’ve built strong bonds with.
“Staying on top of emotion is something I’m really good at.
“But I wouldn’t change a single thing and I am so delighted to get one more training session with my team and one more game and I know for sure I’m going to enjoy it.”
Skinner stays
Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner has signed a one-year extension at the club.
It comes nearly a week after he led the Red Devils to victory in the FA Cup, beating Tottenham 4-0 at Wembley.
Skinner took over in 2021 and finished second behind Sunday’s opponents Chelsea in the WSL last season.
We are pleased to announce Marc Skinner has signed a contract extension with United 🤝
Congrats, boss! ❤️#MUWomen
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) May 17, 2024
They cannot qualify for the Champions League this time around, but there is confirmation that the head coach will be around to give it another go next term.
Speaking after the announcement, he said: “It’s an honour to extend my stay at Manchester United.
“I’ve always felt at home here, with our excellent players, staff, and fans.
“Being able to secure the team’s first major trophy at Wembley was a real career highlight for me and another sign of our continued growth, on and off the field.
“Thanks to everyone who has supported me on this journey, and I look forward to creating many more winning memories together.”
