CBF Unveils Major Initiatives to Boost Brazilian Women's Football Ahead of 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup
The CBF has announced increased professional contracts, expanded competitions, and significant investment in women's football in Brazil ahead of hosting the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
- • All Série A1 women football players will have professional contracts starting in 2027.
- • The 2026 women's football calendar will include 712 matches, a 26.4% increase from 2025.
- • Brasileirão Feminino A1 will expand from 16 to 18 clubs, increasing matches from 134 to 167.
- • CBF will invest R$ 685 million in women's football from 2024 to 2029, boosting funding, prize money, and youth development.
Key details
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has announced a comprehensive set of actions aimed at strengthening women's football in Brazil as the country prepares to host the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2027. These initiatives are designed to professionalize the sport and enhance its visibility and competitiveness ahead of the global event.
Starting in 2027, all athletes participating in the Brasileirão Feminino Série A1 will be guaranteed professional contracts. This move is part of a wider plan increasing the professional opportunities for female footballers in Brazil. Additionally, recognizing the needs of athletes who are mothers, the CBF will allow lactating players to travel with their children at the federation's expense.
The women's football calendar for 2026 will feature 712 matches, marking a 26.4% increase compared to 2025. The Brasileirão Feminino A1 will expand from 16 to 18 clubs, boosting the number of matches in the league from 134 to 167. The Copa do Brasil Feminino will also be reformatted to provide more competitive fixtures. Moreover, all matches within the Brasileirão Feminino A1, Copa do Brasil, and youth leagues will be broadcast, significantly increasing exposure for women's football in Brazil.
The CBF plans an investment of R$ 685 million in women's competitions between 2024 and 2029. This funding will not only improve prize money but also provide more resources to lower-tier leagues and youth categories, supporting the sport's growth at every level. Série A1 clubs will gain access to enhanced performance analysis tools, aiding in their development and competitiveness on the international stage.
Future international competitions, such as the inaugural Women's Club World Cup scheduled for 2028, will also shape the national football calendar and contribute to the players' international experience.
These robust plans reflect Brazil's commitment to promoting and professionalizing women's football as it prepares to welcome the world’s best teams for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.