Neo Química Arena could host 2027 Women’s World Cup opener amid capacity push | OneFootball

Neo Química Arena could stage the opening match of the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, despite the Maracanã currently being lined up for both the opener and the final.

According to Meu Timao, Corinthians, FIFA and the CBF are in talks over the switch, with FIFA requirements including an increase in capacity.

Corinthians have ruled out temporary seating, citing revenue loss if areas such as the South sector were blocked for structures. The club is instead weighing a permanent expansion from the current 48,905 capacity to between 60 and 65 thousand.

Talks are already under way to enlarge the South sector. Club officials met Gaviões da Fiel representatives last week to discuss removing seats, which would raise that area from 7,406 to 9,083 places.

A further option under study is adding lateral sections to the East Upper, inspired by National Football League layouts, initially projected to add about 2,000 seats. Any changes remain subject to approval from the relevant public authorities.

The stadium was initially allocated seven matches, five in the group stage, one in the last 16 and one semi-final. With the number of host cities cut from 12 to 8, it could take on additional games.

Other confirmed venues are Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, Mineirão in Belo Horizonte, Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Castelão in Fortaleza, Fonte Nova in Salvador, Mané Garrincha in Brasília and Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre.

Neo Química Arena has hosted major events before, including the 2014 World Cup opener and five other games, among them Argentina v Netherlands in the semi-finals. It also staged football at the 2016 Olympics, matches at the 2019 Copa América, and NFL games in 2024 and 2025.

Source: Meu Timao