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

Neo Química Arena could host the opening match of the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with Corinthians’ stadium already confirmed as a venue for the tournament in Brazil.

According to Meu Timao, the Maracanã is currently due to stage both the opener and the final. Corinthians, FIFA and the CBF remain in talks about adding Neo Química Arena as the opening-match venue.

To make that feasible, FIFA has set structural demands, including a capacity increase. Corinthians have ruled out temporary seating, as used in 2014, citing revenue losses from closing areas such as the South stand.

The club is instead exploring a permanent expansion from the current 48,905 towards 60 to 65 thousand. Club officials recently met Gaviões da Fiel to discuss removing seats in the South sector, which would raise that area from 7,406 to 9,083.

A further option is adding lateral sections to the East Upper, inspired by National Football League stands, which is projected to add about 2,000 seats. Any works would still need approval from public authorities.

The arena was initially assigned seven games, five in the group stage, one in the last 16 and one semi-final. With host venues cut from 12 to eight, it could now stage additional matches.

The ground has hosted major events, including the 2014 World Cup opener and five other matches, the Argentina v Netherlands semi-final, football at the 2016 Olympics, the 2019 Copa América, and NFL games in 2024 and 2025.

Source: Meu Timao