Maracanã to Host Opening Game and Final at Next Year’s Women’s World Cup

The iconic Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro will host the opening game and the final of next year’s Women’s World Cup, marking a significant milestone in the history of women’s football in Brazil.

Source: i.guim.co.uk

The 78,838-capacity stadium, which has hosted two men’s World Cup finals in 1950 and 2014, will be the venue for Brazil’s opening Group A match on 24 June, before staging the final on 25 July.

The Maracanã’s selection as a host venue for the Women’s World Cup is a testament to the country’s rich football heritage and its commitment to promoting women’s football. The stadium’s state-of-the-art facilities and electric atmosphere will undoubtedly provide a thrilling experience for fans and players alike.

FIFA released the schedule for all 64 matches for the tournament, which features 32 teams. The draw will take place after more of the qualification playoffs have been contested.

Brazil will also play group matches at the Arena Itaquera in São Paulo – which will host 10 matches at the finals, more than any other host city – and at the Estádio Nacional in Brasília. Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo have been selected to host the semi-finals, with the latter also staging the third-fourth playoff.

Belo Horizonte – the scene of Brazil’s humiliating 7-1 semi-final loss to Germany 12 years ago – has been chosen to host a quarter-final. The winners of Group A will play in that quarter-final if they progress that far. Fortaleza, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo will host the three other quarter-finals.

Porto Alegre and Recife are also staging matches in the 10th official edition of the Women’s World Cup and the second to include 32 teams, after the expanded tournament, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, in 2023.

Spain won the title for the first time in Sydney after victory over England.

‘We can’t wait to witness a new chapter of women’s football history unfold when the world’s best players, coaches, fans, and local communities take centre stage in Brazil next year,’ said FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino.

‘I already have goosebumps thinking about the incredible passion, colour, and energy that Brazilian fans will bring to the tournament.’

The former Brazil captain Aline Pellegrino said: ‘Each host city will add its own unique flavour, making this a colourful, joyful, and unforgettable celebration. The world’s best players will feel that energy from the stands and they will give it back on the pitch through moments and performances that will inspire girls and boys around the world.’

The Maracanã will join the now-demolished Råsunda Stadium in Solna, Sweden, and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, as having hosted World Cup finals for both the men’s and women’s game.

Women’s World Cup 2027: A New Era for Women’s Football

The Women’s World Cup 2027 promises to be an unforgettable experience for football fans around the world. With 32 teams competing in 64 matches, the tournament will showcase the skills and dedication of the world’s best female football players.

The selection of Brazil as the host country for the Women’s World Cup is a testament to the country’s rich football heritage and its commitment to promoting women’s football. The tournament will be played across 9 host cities, including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Belo Horizonte.

The tournament will feature a number of exciting matches, including the opening game and final at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The stadium’s state-of-the-art facilities and electric atmosphere will undoubtedly provide a thrilling experience for fans and players alike.

The Women’s World Cup 2027 promises to be a milestone event in the history of women’s football, showcasing the skills and dedication of the world’s best female football players. With its rich football heritage and commitment to promoting women’s football, Brazil is the perfect host country for this exciting tournament.

• The Women’s World Cup 2027 will be played across 9 host cities in Brazil.

• The Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro will host the opening game and final of the tournament.

• 32 teams will compete in 64 matches, showcasing the skills and dedication of the world’s best female football players.