WITH FLAMENGO PLAYER AMONG THE STARTERS, BRAZIL BEATS BOLIVIA IN THE SOUTH AMERICAN UNDER-20

This Friday morning (17), the International Football Federation (FIFA) defined the Brazilas host of the 2027 Women's World Cup. The Brazilian candidacy defeated the European one formed by Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands in an election at the entity's 74th Congress, in Bangkok, Thailand.

This will be the first time that South America will host the competition and this factor even weighed in the decision. Until November 2023, the Women's World Cup had four candidates. However, South Africa was the first to withdraw, followed by the United States and Mexico, who also gave up.

After hosting the World Cups Men's world of 1950 and 2015, the Brazil will now host the 10th edition of the women's competition, organized since 1991, when China was the host. Remembering that the last tournament took place in Australia and New Zealand in 2023, and had Spain as champion.

As the host of the Women's World Cup, Brazil is already automatically classified for the competition. However, nine other Conmebol countries will have to compete for three places. Highlighting that the 2027 Women's World Cup will be the second with 32 participating teams, repeating the 2023 format.

"President of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues celebrated: “I would like to thank everyone who participated in the FIFA Congress for their trust in choosing Brazil to host the 2027 Women's World Cup. Today we are experiencing a historic day in Bangkok. This is a victory for global women's football. I guarantee you all that Brazil will have the best Women's World Cup in history”, said Ednaldo Rodrigues.

Even with a few rounds remaining, La Liga already has its champion: Real Madrid. The focus now is on defining the qualifiers for European competitions and relegation to the second division. Plus, it's time to celebrate the season's best players and coaches. Among the nominees for the La Liga Awards, Vinicius Júnior stands out leading the line of Brazilians.

The nominees compete in four categories: Most beautiful goal, Best Player, Best Coach and Best Under-23 Player. The winners will be chosen by vote of fans, club captains and experts. Vinicius Júnior, Real Madrid star, is one of the favorites for the competition's Best Player award and is also competing for the most beautiful goal for his bomb from outside the box against Girona.

In addition to Vinicius Júnior, other Brazilians are also in the running. In the category of Best Under-23 Player, Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Yan Couto and Savinho (both from Girona) are the representatives. The awards ceremony will be held on May 28th, in Cala di Volpe, Sardinia, Italy, with the presence of athletes and representatives from various teams.

Nominees for the Best Player of the Year award include the likes of Bellingham (Real Madrid), Kubo (Real Sociedad), Griezmann (Atlético de Madrid) and Lewandowski (Barcelona ), between others. In the category of Best Under-23 Player, in addition to the Brazilians, players such as Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) and Javi Guerra (Valencia) appear. For goal of the year, in addition to Vinicius Júnior, Depay (Atlético de Madrid) and João Félix (Barcelona) are nominated.

Even with injuries throughout the season, Vinicius Júnior was essential for Carlo Ancelotti in the achievement of the La Liga title with Real Madrid. In 25 league games, 21 as a starter, he scored 15 goals and provided five assists. With two games remaining, the Brazilian can further consolidate his favoritism for the Best Player of the Year award.

Brazil did not take notice and applied 5 to 1 in Bolivia, last Friday (08), for the first round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. At the Mangueirão Stadium, in Belém, a former striker of Flamengo reached a historic milestone wearing the Bolivian National Team shirt. This is Marcelo Moreno.

Starter in the game against Brazil, the Bolivian striker reached 103 games with the shirt of his country of origin. With this, Marcelo Moreno became the athlete who played the most for Bolivia. Furthermore, the former Flamengo player is the player who has scored the most goals for the national team. In all, there are 31.

Marcelo Moreno played for Rubro-Negro in 2013. During his time at Fla, the striker participated in the Copa do Brasil campaign, in which Flamengo became the national knockout champion. In addition to Mengo, the Bolivian has already played for other Brazilian teams, such as Cruzeiro and Grêmio.

In addition to Marcelo Moreno, another player achieved an unprecedented feat in the game between Brazil and Bolivia: Neymar. Scoring two goals in the rout of the national team, the striker reached 79 goals scored by 'Amarelinha' and, with that, became the athlete who most rocked the opponents' nets with the green and yellow shirt. The player surpassed Pelé and Zico in the ranking.

With broken records, Marcelo Moreno and Neymar remain available to their respective teams for another game for the Qualifiers. Bolivia hosts Argentina this Tuesday (09). On the same day, Brazil faces Peru. Both duels will be valid for the second round of the South American competition that is worth a spot for the 2026 World Cup.