Fifa to fund half of Castelão pitch for 2027 World Cup | OneFootball

The preparation of Arena Castelão for the Women’s World Cup in 2027 has entered a decisive stage. FIFA has proposed covering half of the amount needed to install the hybrid pitch that will be used during the competition in Fortaleza.

RTI Esporte Agency has learned that the intervention combines the existing natural structure with synthetic fibers incorporated into the field. The solution is part of the technical requirements for the stadiums that will host matches in the World Cup.

In addition to contributing to the installation cost, the entity will also be responsible for supplying equipment used in the field’s operation, such as goalposts, corner flags, and other accessories needed for the matches.

The definition of the pitch is part of a broader preparation process for Castelão. Last week, a FIFA delegation of around 94 people returned to the stadium to assess different aspects of the structure.

The pitch is one of the areas considered a priority by the organizers of a competition of this scale. The quality of the surface directly affects the matches and requires specific standards to host players and teams during the tournament.

Investment involves the field structure

The hybrid model combines natural grass and synthetic fibers. The technology aims to increase the surface’s durability amid the sequence of matches and the wear caused by the stadium’s intense use throughout the season.

At Castelão, FIFA will cover 50% of the cost of the hybrid pitch, in addition to providing complementary equipment. The measure reduces part of the adaptation costs and helps standardize the World Cup’s fields.

Fortaleza will host nine matches

Arena Castelão will play an important role in the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The stadium will host nine matches: six in the group stage, two in the round of 16, and one in the quarterfinals. Brazil’s presence in Fortaleza will depend on its campaign and position in the first stage.

If it advances and the bracket points to Fortaleza, the Brazilian National Team could return to Castelão in the knockout stages. The 2027 Women’s World Cup will be played between June and July in Brazil, with 32 national teams for the first time in history.

Brazil will host the tournament for the first time

The 2027 edition will also be historic for bringing the Women’s World Cup to South America for the first time. Brazil will host the competition, which will have matches spread across eight cities and will expand the presence of women’s football on the continent.

In addition to Fortaleza, the calendar includes Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and São Paulo. The distribution broadens the tournament’s presence across the national territory and brings matches to different regions of the country.

The preparation of the stadiums therefore goes beyond construction and structural adaptations. The arenas must also meet a series of operational, technical, and infrastructure requirements defined by FIFA to ensure the necessary conditions for staging the matches.

Tickets and volunteering

Preparation for the World Cup has also already reached the public. FIFA has opened registration for interested people, but signing up does not guarantee ticket purchases, which will follow the steps defined by football’s governing body.

Another program already underway is volunteering, which provides for 6,000 positions during the World Cup. With the hybrid pitch and FIFA’s financial support, Castelão is moving forward in its preparations to host nine matches of the first Women’s World Cup held in South America.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.