Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

The 2027 Women’s World Cup is now one year away, with Brazil preparing to host the tournament across eight cities from June 24 to July 25 next year.

It will be the first Women’s World Cup held in Brazil and the country’s third major women’s football tournament in two decades, after the 2007 Pan American Games and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The event matters because former and current Brazil players believe it can change how women’s football is supported, watched and funded across the country.

For more World Cup build-up, read Socceroos vs Paraguay: Almiron Ban Adds Heat To World Cup Decider, while official tournament information is available through the FIFA Women’s World Cup page.

Brazil Eyes Long-Term Change

Aline Pellegrino, Brazil’s playing captain at the 2007 Pan American Games, is now executive director of legacy and stakeholder affairs for the 2027 tournament.

“The mere fact that the Women’s World Cup is coming to Brazil for the first time represents, in itself, a legacy built by generations of women who were long rendered invisible,” Pellegrino tells Moving the Goalposts.

She said her hope is that “the tournament will be remembered not only for the matches played but for the changes it has helped to bring about for future generations”.

Angelina Constantino, one of Brazil’s current captains alongside Marta and others, said the squad knows the home World Cup will carry meaning beyond results.

“As soon as we step foot on the pitch for the opening match, we will need a lot of will power, a lot of grit, and love for that shirt,” she says.

Fans Already Showing Their Power

Brazil recently drew huge crowds for two friendlies against the United States women’s national soccer team.

The first match in São Paulo drew 31,336 fans to Neo Química Arena, while the second in Fortaleza attracted 55,744 at Arena Castelão. Constantino said the noise and support offered a glimpse of what opponents may face next year.

“Brazilians are really passionate, really intense,” says Constantino.

“They are our 12th player, and playing against us at home is hard.”