¡Cancha Brava! Exhibition Explores South American Football's Cultural and Political Roots at Museu do Futebol
The Museu do Futebol's new exhibition delves into South American football's cultural heritage and socio-political narratives through immersive art and interactive experiences.
- • The exhibition explores the ancestral roots and passion of South American football.
- • It addresses significant social themes like colonialism, racism, and inequality.
- • Interactive installations and new artworks illustrate football's cultural diversity.
- • Opening events featured workshops and music celebrating South American culture.
Key details
The Museu do Futebol in São Paulo inaugurated the temporary exhibition ¡Cancha Brava! Futebol sudamericano en disputa, immersing visitors in the cultural, historical, and political dimensions of South American football. Curated by Luiza Romão, Matias Pinto, and Gisele de Paula, the exhibition highlights the passion and ancestral roots of the sport across Conmebol countries, featuring audiovisual installations, interactive soundscapes, photographs, and specially created artworks.
The exhibition's title, meaning 'Brave Field,' symbolizes the indigenous and intense spirit of football in the continent. Curator Gisele de Paula explains that “cancha” references indigenous memory predating football, while “brava” reflects the vibrant and conflicted nature of the game in the region. Luiza Romão describes football as a powerful social and political mirror exposing issues like colonialism, racism, inequality, authoritarianism, and violence.
Organized around six thematic sections such as “Roubar la Pelota” and “Carnaval Toda la Vida,” the show also includes an interactive sound installation where visitors can engage with music and narratives from ten South American countries. Additional highlights include a recreated stadium atmosphere syncing chants from 25 fan groups and a monumental mural depicting over 180 figures from the region's football history. Literary contributions by notable authors and a bilingual glossary comparing football terms in Portuguese and Spanish further enrich the experience.
The opening festivities featured workshops and live musical performances celebrating South American rhythms. The exhibition runs until April 5, 2026, with affordable entry prices and free admission for children under seven and on Tuesdays, inviting broad public engagement with football’s deep ties to identity and resistance across South America.