Brazil Advances Women's Football with ISS Tax Exemption and Divas FC's Tricampeonato Triumph

Brazil is making historic strides in women's football, underscored by recent legislative and sporting achievements that highlight the nation's growing commitment to the women's game.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has sanctioned Law Complementar 232/26, granting an exemption from the Imposto sobre Serviços (ISS) for companies involved in organizing the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. This important tax relief, however, is contingent upon approval from local legislative bodies in the eight host cities — Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Recife, Salvador, Fortaleza, and Porto Alegre. Slated for June 24 to July 25, 2027, this will mark the first time the Women's World Cup is hosted in South America, signaling Brazil's dedication to elevating women's sports, especially football. Laura Carneiro, a former president of the Sports Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, noted the tournament as a "historic milestone for women's football in Brazil."

Meanwhile, on the competitive front, Divas FC has made history by securing their third consecutive title (tricampeonato) at the 2026 Torneio Paulo Freire, a tournament that has grown from just two teams in 2019 to nine in 2026. The team, originally composed of retired educators, has evolved and expanded since their debut in 2022, reflecting a wider inclusion of women in football. Letycia Cunha emerged as the tournament's top scorer with 21 goals, while Elineide Rodrigues, Sinpro director and Divas FC player, emphasized, "The place of women is where they want to be. It is important that women feel increasingly included and occupy all spaces, including sports." Teammate Ediane Costa praised the camaraderie and unity that define their success.

Together, these developments — legislative support for the Women's World Cup and grassroots champions like Divas FC — underscore Brazil's forward momentum in fostering a vibrant, inclusive future for women's football.