Brazil Officially Launches 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup Amid Calls for Greater Recognition of Women's Football
Brazil officially launches the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup with a vibrant cultural event in Rio, while former female players call for greater recognition of women's football achievements.
- • Official launch event of the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup held in Rio de Janeiro with cultural celebrations.
- • Revealed tournament brand including logo and slogan 'GO EPIC™' reflecting Brazilian culture.
- • Event drew criticism from former female players over focus on male football achievements rather than women’s accomplishments.
- • Women's World Cup to be hosted in Brazil from June 24 to July 25, 2027, across eight venues including Maracanã and Mineirão.
- • Brazil seeks its first Women's World Cup title, having finished runner-up in 2007.
Key details
On January 25, 2026, Brazil marked a significant milestone with the official launch of the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, showcasing the nation's deep football culture alongside vibrant music and art. The event, held at Copacabana, introduced the tournament's official brand identity featuring a modern logo inspired by the Brazilian flag and football field geometry, complemented by the slogan 'GO EPIC™' and a unique sound identity capturing Brazil’s rhythms.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino praised Brazil's readiness to host the first-ever Women's World Cup in South America, which will run from June 24 to July 25, 2027, across eight venues including Maracanã and Mineirão. Rio de Janeiro's mayor Eduardo Paes emphasized the city's commitment to equality and diversity in sports and highlighted programs designed to strengthen women's football and inspire youth participation.
However, the launch ceremony sparked controversy among former female footballers such as Formiga, Pretinha, and Aline Pellegrino. They expressed discomfort over the event's apparent prioritization of Brazil's male national team's achievements, emphasizing their five FIFA World Cup titles (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002), rather than celebrating the women’s game and its pioneers. Formiga voiced her intention to raise these concerns with FIFA’s Jill Ellis to ensure greater recognition for female players in future commemorations.
Brazil's women’s national team is eager to claim their first World Cup title, having been runners-up in 2007. The official launch festival also featured an urban art festival on Avenida Atlântica, transforming the cityscape in celebration of the tournament. Football legend Marta and other icons underscored the emotional connection Brazilians have with the game and the transformational impact this tournament promises for women’s football.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
