São Paulo aims to host 2027 Women’s World Cup opener at Corinthians with expansion plan | OneFootball

São Paulo, backed by the state government, wants the 2027 Women’s World Cup opener at Corinthians’ Neo Química Arena, and club president Osmar Stabile met city officials on Friday to discuss expansion.

According to Globo.com, the city is one of eight hosts, but the current 48,000 capacity is short for the curtain-raiser, likely involving Brazil.

Plans would lift capacity to about 60,000, echoing 2014’s temporary stands. Corinthians have submitted drawings for two extra sections behind each goal, North and South, costed at about R$ 250 million via private funding.

Home matches would continue, though works could briefly affect those ends. Corinthians agreed in principle on two conditions, no cost to the club and permanent stands.

Authorities will now seek financing to take a proposal to FIFA, led by city hall, amid scepticism from some consulted. The project must be filed by 22.

Fixed tubular stands were floated at the meeting, but Corinthians were unconvinced due to maintenance. The city has informed FIFA of its intention and is studying privately funded options, with no final decision.

FIFA offered no comment. With a little over a year to go, the schedule is yet to be announced. The Maracanã in Rio is favourite for the opener and the final.

São Paulo will host regardless of any expansion, and Neo Química Arena is likely to stage other major games. Six other venues have been selected, Arena Castelão, Fonte Nova, Arena de Pernambuco, Beira-Rio, Mineirão and Estádio Nacional.

Source: Globo.com