France to stage 2019 Women's World Cup

France has been selected to host the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup finals, and will also stage the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

The French Football Federation (FFF) bid was picked ahead of that of South Korea at today's FIFA Executive Committee meeting in Zurich. It will be the first time France has held a senior women's football tournament, and the competition will follow hot on the trail of UEFA EURO 2016. Previously, the country hosted the 2008 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship and the 2000 Women's U18s.

Semi-finalists at both the 2011 World Cup and 2012 Olympics, France are among eight European contenders at the 2015 World Cup in Canada this summer. In 2019 they will follow in the footsteps of past European hosts Sweden (1995) and Germany (2011).

Reaction:
Noël Le Graët, FFF president
This event will be a great lever for women’s football and women’s sports development in our country. It is both a reward and an incentive for football feminization.” Noël Le Graët, French Football Federation president.

Philippe Bergerôo, France coach
This is a wonderful opportunity for the future. Several players are under 25, so they will be key elements in the squad in four years time. France will have a competitive team in 2019.

Wendie Renard, France captain
This is a dream come true to play a World Cup at home. We all remember 1998. I want to feel these emotions again.