Neo Química Arena in the running to host 2027 Women's World Cup opener

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Central do Timão

·4 March 2026

Neo Química Arena in the running to host 2027 Women's World Cup opener

By Henrique Pereira / Central do Timão Editorial Team

The Neo Química Arena emerges as a candidate to host the opening match of the 2027 Women's World Cup. The Corinthians stadium is already confirmed among the venues for the FIFA-organized tournament, but current discussions involve the possibility of the location also hosting the inaugural game of the competition in Brazil.

So far, the Maracanã is expected to be the venue for both the opening and the final. Nevertheless, according to the portal Meu Timão, Corinthians, FIFA, and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) are in negotiations to make the alvinegra arena the venue for the World Cup debut.

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Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

For the plan to advance, FIFA imposes structural requirements on the São Paulo club. Among them is the increase in stadium capacity. However, the Corinthians board rules out the installation of temporary structures, as occurred in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The internal understanding is that the closure of sections, such as the South, for the assembly of temporary stands could lead to a loss of revenue.

In light of this, the club began studying a permanent expansion of the Neo Química Arena, which currently accommodates up to 48,905 fans. In a scenario of definitive expansion, the capacity could reach between 60,000 and 65,000 seats.

The negotiations already include interventions in the South sector. Last week, officials received representatives from Gaviões da Fiel to discuss possible changes. One of the main points discussed was the removal of seats in the sector, a measure that would increase capacity from 7,406 to 9,083 fans.

Another modification under consideration involves the East Upper sector. The proposal includes the construction of side stands inspired by structures used by the National Football League, which could add about two thousand new seats to the stadium. The club emphasizes, however, that any changes depend on approval from the competent public authorities.

Initially, the Neo Química Arena was designated to host seven World Cup matches, five from the group stage, one from the round of 16, and another from the semifinals. With the reduction in the number of venues from 12 to eight, there is a possibility that the stadium will host even more games during the competition.

In addition to the Corinthians arena, other confirmed venues are the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro; the Mineirão in Belo Horizonte; the Arena Pernambuco in Recife; the Castelão in Fortaleza; the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador; the Mané Garrincha in Brasília; and the Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre.

The Neo Química Arena already has experience in major international events. The stadium hosted the opening of the 2014 World Cup, as well as five other matches of the tournament, including the semifinal between Argentina and the Netherlands. It also hosted matches of the 2016 Olympics, the 2019 Copa América, and even received NFL games in 2024 and 2025.

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