The FIFA Women's World Cup is set to make history in 2027 as it will be held in Brazil, marking the first time this prestigious tournament will take place in South America. On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the eight cities and respective stadiums that will host the matches during this landmark event. The cities selected are Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Fortaleza, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and São Paulo, each bringing its unique flair to the tournament.
The chosen stadiums include the iconic Estádio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte, the modern Estádio Nacional in Brasília, Arena Castelão in Fortaleza, Estádio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre, Arena de Pernambuco in Recife, the legendary Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, and Arena Itaquera in São Paulo. These venues have a rich history of hosting major football events, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Infantino expressed his excitement about the upcoming tournament, stating, "Do samba ao frevo, de praias deslumbrantes a cidades cosmopolitas, o mundo experimentará a energia, cor e calor que só o Brasil pode oferecer." This translates to, "From samba to frevo, from stunning beaches to cosmopolitan cities, the world will experience the energy, color, and warmth that only Brazil can offer." He emphasized the importance of working closely with the selected cities to create unforgettable moments in each stadium.
As the host nation, Brazil will automatically qualify for the tournament, which will take place from June 24 to July 25, 2027. A total of 32 teams will compete for the title of world champions, with Brazil aiming to secure its first Women's World Cup victory. The Brazilian national team, known for its strong footballing tradition, has participated in all previous editions, making this their tenth appearance.
The selection process for the host cities began in August 2024, during which FIFA teams evaluated 12 candidate cities based on infrastructure and facilities. The decision to choose these eight cities was made in collaboration with the Brazilian government and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), ensuring that the best conditions are provided for the participating teams.
Among the notable figures present at the announcement were Brazilian football stars like Vinícius Jr., Debinha, and Kaká, who represent their respective cities. In a video shared on social media, these athletes took turns revealing the host cities, showcasing their pride and excitement for the upcoming tournament.
Fortaleza, which will host matches at the Arena Castelão, has previously welcomed the FIFA World Cup in 2014. Governor Elmano de Freitas expressed his joy, stating, "Estamos em um momento muito importante, um dia em que Fortaleza é escolhida no cidade-sede da Copa do Mundo." This means, "We are in a very important moment, a day when Fortaleza is chosen as a host city for the World Cup." He highlighted the significance of this event for the city and its residents.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, the selected cities will embark on operational planning, receiving expert teams from FIFA to ensure everything runs smoothly. Exciting celebrations are already being planned in these cities, which are eager to showcase their hospitality and passion for football to the world.
In addition to the excitement surrounding the matches, the tournament is expected to have a lasting impact on women's football in Brazil. Jade Romero, vice-governor of Ceará, emphasized the importance of this event in promoting gender equality and encouraging more women to participate in sports. She stated, "Essa notícia é uma satisfação, algo que nos impacta no turismo, no esporte, mas que fortalece também essa modalidade que fala muito sobre igualdade." This translates to, "This news is a satisfaction, something that impacts us in tourism, in sports, but also strengthens this modality that speaks a lot about equality."
The Brazilian government is committed to fostering women's football through various initiatives, aiming to create a legacy that extends beyond the tournament. The Minister of Sports, André Fufuca, announced the National Strategy for Women's Football, focusing on increasing participation among girls and women in sports and ensuring that the tournament leaves a transformative legacy for future generations.
As the world prepares for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, the anticipation continues to build. With Brazil's rich football culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, the tournament promises to be a spectacular celebration of women's sports and a significant milestone in the history of the Women's World Cup. The Maracanã Stadium, known as a global symbol of football, will host the opening match and the final, adding to the excitement surrounding this monumental event.
The tournament will feature a diverse lineup of teams from around the globe, with six direct spots for Asia, four for Africa, four for North and Central America, four for South America, one for Oceania, and eleven for Europe. The remaining three spots will be determined through qualification tournaments, ensuring a competitive atmosphere throughout the event.
With a star-studded roster, including players like Marta, who holds the record for the most goals in Women's World Cup history, the Brazilian team will be looking to make a statement on home soil. Marta, a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, has scored 17 goals in World Cup tournaments, making her a key player to watch as Brazil aims for its first title.
The excitement is palpable as fans, players, and officials look forward to what promises to be an unforgettable month of football in Brazil. As the preparations continue and the host cities gear up for the influx of visitors, the stage is set for a groundbreaking tournament that will elevate women's football and inspire future generations of athletes.
