Expansion of the Neo Química Arena to open the 2027 Women's World Cup does not progress

- By Mirella Ramos / Central do Timão Editorial

The possibility of expanding the Neo Química Arena for the 2027 Women's World Cup has not progressed. According to the GE, despite the interest of the City of São Paulo in applying for the capital of São Paulo to host the opening match of the tournament, the project that envisaged increasing the capacity of the Corinthian stadium was not followed through.

In recent days, the municipal administration formalized with FIFA its intention to host the inaugural game of the competition. In the proposal sent to the entity, the City Hall highlighted the city's structure, experience in holding international events and the potential legacy that the World Cup could leave for the population and for women's football.

Photo: José Manoel Idalgo/ Agência Corinthians

To strengthen the candidacy, there was the possibility of expanding the capacity of the Neo Química Arena, currently around 48 thousand seats. The plan called for the construction of new stands in the North and South sectors, increasing the stadium's capacity to more than 60 thousand fans.

According to information released by São Paulo City Hall, the municipality made itself available to Corinthians to assist in the search for private partners and sponsors that would make the project viable, without using municipal public resources. However, the club chose not to continue with the model presented.

Corinthians had developed a project estimated at approximately R$250 million for the construction of permanent structures. The club also made it clear that it had no interest in temporary stands, such as those used during the 2014 World Cup, nor did it intend to assume the costs of the work.

With the interruption of negotiations for the expansion of the Neo Química Arena, São Paulo's bid to host the opening of the World Cup lost momentum behind the scenes. In this scenario, Maracanã emerges as the main favorite to host both the opening match and the final of the tournament, which will be played between June and July 2027.

Despite this, Neo Química Arena remains confirmed as one of the eight venues for the competition. In addition to the Corinthian stadium, the 2027 Women's World Cup will feature matches at Arena Castelão, in Fortaleza; Arena Fonte Nova, in Salvador; Arena de Pernambuco, in Recife; Beira-Rio, in Porto Alegre; Mineirão, in Belo Horizonte; Mané Garrincha National Stadium, in Brasília; and Maracanã, in Rio de Janeiro.

In a statement, the City of São Paulo informed that it continues in dialogue with FIFA, Corinthians and others involved in organizing the tournament. The municipal administration also reinforced that the objective continues to be to contribute to the holding of a historic Women's World Cup in the country.

With just over a year to go before the start of the competition, FIFA has not yet released the official game calendar or defined the stadiums that will host the opening and final of the World Cup.

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Source: Timao Central