Rio's iconic Maracana Stadium to host 2027 Women's World Cup opener and final

[p]The hosts ‌kick off the event on June 24th in ‌a fitting opening to the first [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/soccer/world/world-cup-women/"]Women's World ‌Cup[/a] held in South America, with the Maracana - ‌one of the game's most famous venues and the site of Brazil's heartbreak defeat by Uruguay in the ‌1950 men's World Cup decider - also ⁠hosting the July 25th ‌final.[/p][p]FIFA confirmed that all eight host cities will stage ​at least seven matches and a minimum of one knockout game.[/p][p]Brasilia, Porto Alegre, Recife ​and Salvador will stage matches through to the last 16, while Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Rio de ⁠Janeiro and Sao ​Paulo will hold the quarter-finals.[/p][p]Sao Paulo and Rio will host the semi-finals.[/p][embed guid="18501ceb-1698-41c8-8540-26447e374431" url="https://x.com/FIFAWWC/status/2090438712098263149" social-type="twitter" /][p][b]"I already have goosebumps thinking about the incredible passion, colour and energy that Brazilian ‌fans will bring to the tournament as they welcome the world to eight vibrant host cities,"[/b] FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.[/p][p]The Maracana will become only the third stadium to host both a men's and women's World Cup final, following Stockholm's Rasunda Stadium and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.[/p][p][b]"Each host city will add its ‌own unique flavour, making this a colourful, joyful ​and unforgettable celebration," [/b]former Brazil captain Aline Pellegrino ‌said.[/p][p][b]"The world's best players will feel that energy from the stands and they will give it back on the pitch through moments and performances that will inspire girls and boys ⁠around the world."[/b][/p][embed guid="ee541cf2-1018-4e9e-8a75-ea9879f958cd" url="https://x.com/FIFAWWC/status/2090410967322529865" social-type="twitter" /][p]The final ⁠schedule will be ‌published later this year.[/p]