FIFA has officially announced the eight host cities for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, marking the first time the tournament will be staged in South America.
The selected cities are Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Fortaleza, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and São Paulo.
The announcement, made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, was delivered alongside public figures and officials from the participating Brazilian states. It marks a key milestone on the road to the tournament, which will bring the world's attention to Brazil in the summer of 2027.
The stadiums selected to host matches are:
Estádio Mineirão (Belo Horizonte)
Estádio Nacional (Brasília)
Arena Castelão (Fortaleza)
Estádio Beira-Rio (Porto Alegre)
Arena de Pernambuco (Recife)
Estádio do Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro)
Arena Fonte Nova (Salvador)
Arena Itaquera (São Paulo)
The host city selection process began in August 2024 and involved visits from FIFA’s technical teams to 12 candidate cities. The evaluation was based on infrastructure, stadium readiness, accommodation, and potential for lasting impact. The eight final cities were chosen in consultation with the Brazilian government and the Brazilian Football Association (CBF), with the aim of maximizing operational success and the development of women’s football.
Infantino expressed gratitude to the four cities not selected—Belém, Cuiabá, Manaus, and Natal—acknowledging their efforts and hinting at potential future involvement.
“This is more than a football tournament; it’s a celebration of culture and a chance to drive long-term growth for the women’s game,” said Infantino.
The next phases include the launch of the official tournament brand and the release of the match schedule. FIFA teams will begin operational planning visits to each host city in the coming days.
FIFA officials emphasized the broader goals of the event, including social inclusion and the development of women’s football across Brazil. “This is a unique opportunity to change the game,” said Mariléia dos Santos, Director of Football Policies at Brazil’s Ministry of Sport.
The 2027 tournament will feature 32 teams, as in the 2023 edition, and is expected to draw significant international attention and economic activity.
Host City Snapshot:
Belo Horizonte – Known for its passionate football culture and mountainous surroundings.
Brasília – Brazil’s modernist capital with a striking stadium and infrastructure.
Fortaleza – A coastal city known for carnival energy and beachside football.
Porto Alegre – A southern hub with European heritage and deep football roots.
Recife – Northeastern capital with a vibrant culture and iconic rhythms.
Rio de Janeiro – Home of the legendary Maracanã stadium.
Salvador – Rich in Afro-Brazilian culture and carnival traditions.
São Paulo – The country’s largest city and a major center for women’s football.
With planning now underway, Brazil prepares to host a landmark edition of the Women’s World Cup—one that blends elite sport with a celebration of diversity and national identity.
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