Rio de janeiro: Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracan Stadium is set to host the opening match and final of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, marking a significant milestone for South American football as it hosts the tournament for the first time. The event will feature 32 teams, showcasing the growing global interest in women’s football.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the tournament will commence at the Maracan, a venue steeped in football history, and will culminate there on July 25. This decision underscores the stadium’s enduring legacy as one of the most celebrated venues in the sport.

FIFA has outlined plans ensuring all eight host cities will see at least seven matches, including at least one from the knockout stages, maximizing the exposure and engagement in each location. Bras­lia, Porto Alegre, Recife, and Salvador are set to host matches up to the Round of 16. The quarterfinals will unfold in Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Rio de Janeiro, and So Paulo, with the latter two cities also hosting the semifinals.

In hosting both the men’s and women’s World Cup finals, the Maracan will join the ranks of R¥sunda Stadium in Stockholm and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, becoming only the third stadium to achieve this distinction. The complete match schedule is anticipated to be released later this year, promising to deliver an exciting lineup of fixtures.