Survey points to growth for the women's national team by 2027 | OneFootball

The Brazil Women’s National Team has gained ground among Brazilians over the past decade, but the numbers also reveal how long a road still lies ahead. A survey by the CBF with Instituto Nexus shows that 41% of respondents said they have followed the team’s matches more closely during this period.

The figure points to progress, but it does not support claims of widespread, established popularity. More than half of the Brazilians surveyed still said they do not follow the National Team’s matches. The rise in interest, therefore, exists alongside a significant share of the population that remains distant.

The change came with greater exposure for the sport. The 2019 World Cup was broadcast by Globo for the first time, which also aired National Team friendlies on free-to-air TV. Access increased, but viewing frequency has not advanced at the same pace.

Growth does not affect everyone equally

The survey also reveals that the progress is concentrated in certain segments. Among Brazilians earning more than five minimum wages, 51% said they had increased their following of the National Team. The same percentage appeared in the North and Central-West regions.

Among men, the rate was 48%. The same figure was recorded among people with higher education. In the age group over 60, 45% said they follow the matches more closely. The picture changes among lower-income and less-educated groups.

Among lower-income Brazilians, 36% increased their following, a rate also recorded among Black people and those with low levels of education. In the Northeast, it was 35%; among women and people with a high school education, 34%.

Women’s soccer still does not occupy the space expected

Perhaps the most revealing finding in the survey lies in perceptions of how the sport is recognized. For 59% of respondents, women’s soccer still does not receive the support and recognition it should.

This assessment does not mean there has been no change. Within this group, 32% acknowledge that progress has been made, but consider the result insufficient. Another 27% believe that support remains below what would be considered adequate.

The perception of lack of recognition reaches 68% among people with higher education and incomes above five minimum wages. The rate also reaches 63% among white and mixed-race people and residents of the South.

The 2027 World Cup will be a test of reach

That is where the 2027 World Cup becomes important. For the first time, Brazil will host the main tournament in women’s soccer. The event will have the potential to expand the National Team’s exposure, but it will also test the ability to turn visibility into a recurring audience.

Free-to-air TV will play an important role. The quarterfinals of the 2026 Brasileirão Feminino reached 29.5 million unique viewers on Globo. The CBF also reported that the number of broadcasters doubled in two years, from four to eight.

Survey shows room for growth

The Instituto Nexus survey interviewed 2,006 Brazilians aged 16 and over between August 15 and 24, across the 27 Federative Units. The margin of error is two percentage points, plus or minus, with a 95% confidence level.

The numbers show a National Team that is more present, but still not fully incorporated into Brazilians’ sports routine. The audience has grown over the past decade. The question now is how much of that progress will remain once the exposure provided by the 2027 World Cup fades.

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