FIFA Sets Dates for 2027 Women's World Cup; Natal Could Host the Global Event

The opening match of the Women's World Cup has been officially scheduled for June 24, 2027. The final will take place a month later on July 25. Natal is eagerly awaiting a decision from FIFA to determine if it will be part of this monumental event. Last November, the Potiguar capital underwent its latest inspection from the international governing body of football, with results expected to be announced between January and March of next year.

The first inspection assessed the facilities at the Casa de Apostas Arena das Dunas and the International Airport Aluízio Alves in São Gonçalo do Amarante. The second visit by FIFA officials focused on the quality of the pitch at the Arena, as well as the training centers suggested by the Local Organizing Committee. Five potential locations were inspected: Frasqueirão, Arena do Dragão, UFRN Campus, Sesi Clube Field, and Juvenal Lamartine Stadium.

The facilities at ABC and América are compliant but require minor adjustments, similar to the UFRN Campus case. "We have already discussed with the clubs, and the UFRN Campus needs only pitch improvements and temporary changing room structures, akin to the arrangements made during the 2014 World Cup," explained FNF Secretary-General Erick Dias, who represents the organization on the local committee.

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However, Juvenal Lamartine Stadium requires renovations, and both the FNF and the State Government are racing to finalize an agreement for the venue's management that will allow for investments in upgrades to stands, changing rooms, and other facilities. "The State Government has confirmed that the contract with FNF is in the final stages of preparation and expresses interest in investing in the renovation of stands, changing rooms, and the stadium's infrastructure, while preserving its overall structure due to its historical designation. Therefore, we cannot use an old project we had and will need to rush to draft a new proposal to present to FIFA, including a completion deadline," the FNF representative stated in an interview with Tribuna do Norte immediately after the inspections. At the Sesi Clube, the FNF learned that the sports park could be dismantled to accommodate other activities.

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Competition Details

In May, Brazil was chosen to host the Women's World Cup following a historic voting process, with the CBF-led bid securing 119 votes in the election conducted during the FIFA Congress. Throughout the week, CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues participated in a virtual meeting with FIFA representatives.

"The meeting was very fruitful, and we can now announce to fans the dates of the 2027 World Cup, which will be the best tournament in history," said CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues.

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"The FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027 is taking shape, and we can hardly wait for the opening match on Thursday, June 24, 2027, as well as all matches leading up to the final on Sunday, July 25, 2027," FIFA President Gianni Infantino added.

Infantino emphasized, "This historic tournament will have a tremendous impact not only in South America but across the globe, elevating women's football to new heights in terms of participation and popularity."

During the meeting, FIFA also outlined how teams will qualify for the World Cup. According to the organization, 29 teams will directly emerge from continental qualifying tournaments. In addition to Brazil, assured of its place as the host nation, South America will have three additional representatives.

The first phase of the playoff tournament will occur in November-December 2026 at a centralized location with six teams qualifying based on the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Rankings prior to the playoff draw.

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The top two teams will advance to the final playoff phase held at a centralized location in February 2027, where they will be joined by two teams from Concacaf, one from CONMEBOL, and one from UEFA.

The six teams will be drawn into three paths, with a direct knockout match determining the three teams advancing to the Women's World Cup. Teams from the same confederation cannot be drawn into the same pot.

The remaining three spots will be determined through a ten-team playoff tournament, comprising two phases, allocated as follows:

• Two playoff spots for Asia;
• Two playoff spots for Africa;
• Two playoff spots for Concacaf (both spots to qualify automatically for the second phase based on performance in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ playoff tournament);
• Two playoff spots for South America (the team with the best ranking in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking will qualify automatically for the second phase due to Brazil's host status in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027);
• One playoff spot for Oceania;
• One playoff spot for UEFA (which will qualify automatically for the second phase based on performance in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ playoff tournament).

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