Key Host Cities and Stadiums for the Upcoming Tournament
FIFA has announced the eight cities and their respective stadiums that will host the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, marking the first time the tournament will be held in Latin America. The host nation aims to secure its first-ever title, despite the absence of its beloved icon, Marta.
Selected Host Cities
- Sao Paulo
- Rio de Janeiro
- Brasilia
- Belo Horizonte
- Porto Alegre
- Salvador
- Fortaleza
- Recife
Brazil’s Historic Journey and the Absence of Marta
Brazil, a five-time champion in the men’s category but never having won the women’s title, seeks its maiden victory in this edition. The absence of Marta, Brazil’s legendary striker and six-time FIFA World Player of the Year, adds a unique dimension to their quest.
Marta, now 39 and playing for Orlando Pride in the United States, announced her retirement from the national team last year. Her absence will undoubtedly impact Brazil’s campaign, although she remains a passionate supporter of the team.
In the 2007 Women’s World Cup, Brazil lost to Germany in the final. Marta was instrumental in that tournament, finishing as the top scorer, best player, and scoring an iconic goal.
In 2019, Marta became the highest-scoring player in World Cup history. By then, she had also surpassed Pelé as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer.
Football for All: The Rise of Women’s Football in Brazil
While the men’s national team has been struggling for years, women’s football in Brazil is thriving. The sport enjoys immense popularity, with fans enthusiastically supporting women’s teams in the largest country in Latin America.
For decades, women were barred from playing in football clubs, deemed “incompatible with their nature” by law. However, they continued to practice the sport in neighborhoods and communities until the ban was lifted near the end of Brazil’s military dictatorship (1964-1985).
Today, Brazilian women’s football is the most prominent in Latin America. It attracts young girls and teenagers to club academies, fills stadiums during significant matches, attracts lucrative sponsorships, and boasts professional status in the top league. Yet, investments from the Brazilian Football Confederation and clubs in women’s football, along with players’ salaries, still lag far behind those of the men’s game.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of the 2027 Women’s World Cup being held in Brazil? This will be the first time the tournament is hosted in Latin America, and Brazil aims to win its maiden title.
- Who is Marta and why is her absence notable? Marta is Brazil’s legendary striker and six-time FIFA World Player of the Year. Her absence from the national team impacts Brazil’s campaign, though she remains a passionate supporter.
- How has women’s football developed in Brazil? Despite a historical ban on women playing in football clubs, the sport has flourished in Brazil. It now enjoys immense popularity, professional status, and significant sponsorships.
