Brazil prepares to host Women’s World Cup
The Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro is set to host both the opening match and the final of next year’s Women’s World Cup. This historic venue, with a capacity of 78,838, has previously staged the finals of the men’s World Cup in 1950 and 2014, as well as the Olympic football competitions in 2016. Brazil’s opening Group A match is scheduled for June 24 at the Maracanã, with the final taking place on July 25.
FIFA has released the full schedule, detailing all 64 matches for the tournament, which will feature 32 teams. The draw for the competition is expected to occur after the remaining qualification playoffs have been contested. This marks the first time the women’s event will be held in South America, bringing the tournament to a new continent.
The Maracanã will join a select group of stadiums that have hosted both men’s and women’s World Cup finals. These include the now-demolished Råsunda Stadium in Solna, Sweden, and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The tournament is the 10th official edition of the Women’s World Cup and the second to include 32 teams, following the expanded format introduced in 2023 when Australia and New Zealand co-hosted the event.
Host cities and key matches
Eight host cities across Brazil will stage matches during the tournament. All of these stadiums were also used for the men’s tournament in 2014. São Paulo’s Arena Itaquera is slated to host 10 matches, more than any other host city. Brazil’s national team will also play group stage matches at the Arena Itaquera on June 29 and at the Estádio Nacional in Brasília on July 4.
The host cities for the 2027 Women’s World Cup games include:
- Belo Horizonte – Estádio Mineirão
- Brasília – Estádio Nacional
- Fortaleza – Arena Castelão
- Porto Alegre – Estádio Beira-Rio
- Recife – Arena de Pernambuco
- Rio de Janeiro – Estádio do Maracanã
- Salvador – Arena Fonte Nova
- São Paulo – Arena Itaquera
Each of these eight host cities is expected to stage at least seven games, including one knockout match. Brasília, Porto Alegre, Recife, and Salvador will host games through the round of 16. Belo Horizonte and Fortaleza will join São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in hosting quarter-final matches. One quarter-final will be held in Belo Horizonte, where the winner of Group A will play if they advance.
The semi-finals will be split between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. São Paulo is scheduled to host one semi-final on July 20, as well as the third-place game, also known as the bronze final, on July 24. Rio de Janeiro will host the second semi-final matchup on July 21, leading up to the final on July 25 at the Maracanã.
Tournament schedule and qualified teams
The 2027 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to run from June 24 to July 25. The group stage is set to conclude on July 8, with matches taking place in Brasília, Fortaleza, Porto Alegre, and São Paulo. The knockout rounds will commence shortly after, with the round of 16 scheduled from July 10 to July 13, followed by the quarter-finals on July 16 and July 17.
The tournament will feature 32 teams, including the defending champions, Spain, who secured their first title in Sydney after defeating England. As the host nation, Brazil automatically qualifies. Other teams that have qualified so far include:
- AFC: Australia, China PR, Japan, Korea DPR, Korea Republic, Philippines
- CAF: Algeria, Cameroon, Malawi, Morocco
- CONMEBOL: Argentina, Colombia
- OFC: New Zealand
- UEFA: Denmark, France, Germany, Spain
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed anticipation for the event, highlighting the passion and energy Brazilian fans are expected to bring. Former Brazil captain Aline Pellegrino also noted that each host city will contribute its unique flavour, promising a colourful and joyful celebration that will inspire young athletes globally. The tournament officially begins on June 24 at the Estádio do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro.
Source: theguardian.com
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