Brazilian football icon Formiga has expressed her belief that the upcoming 2027 Women's World Cup, set to take place in Brazil, represents a pivotal opportunity for players across South America. With a storied career that includes over 200 appearances for the Brazilian national team, Formiga is well aware of the profound impact this tournament could have on the landscape of women's football in the region.
Having retired in 2021 at the age of 43, Formiga's legacy in the sport is significant. She scored 29 goals during her international career and holds the record for participating in seven World Cups, a feat unmatched in both men's and women's football. Her extensive experience positions her as a credible voice regarding the future of women's football in Brazil and beyond.
The 2027 Women's World Cup will be particularly historic as it marks the first time the tournament will be hosted in Latin America. This is especially meaningful considering that women were prohibited from playing football in Brazil until 1979. Formiga highlighted this transformative moment during her remarks at the "Esporte Cria" event organized by the Brazilian Olympic Committee in Sao Paulo, stating, "We have a tremendous opportunity to change the landscape of South American football."
Reflecting on the struggles faced by women in the sport, Formiga noted, "Despite all the 'nos' we heard and the lack of infrastructure, we dreamed that one day Brazilian women's football would get its chance." She emphasized that the World Cup could significantly alter the lives of many young girls, not only in Brazil but also in neighboring countries.
Brazil's women's team has long been a dominant force in South America, yet they have historically struggled to achieve the same level of global success as their male counterparts, who have won the World Cup five times. The closest the women's team has come to glory was in 2007, when they reached the final but lost to Germany. Formiga also played a crucial role in Brazil's Olympic campaigns, helping the team reach the finals in 2004 and 2008, only to fall short against the United States.
Formiga acknowledged the gap in development between Brazil and countries like the United States and those in Europe, attributing it to years of neglect and a 40-year ban on women's football. She stated, "Europe and the United States are ahead thanks to their infrastructure and the work they’ve put in." However, she remains optimistic about Brazil's progress, asserting that the nation is closing the gap with top teams like the United States, France, and Spain.
The tournament is set to kick off on June 24, 2027, at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Formiga expressed her hope that her former teammate Marta, who would be 41 at the time, will still be competing. "I’ll be in the stands cheering her on. It would be a farewell in front of our fans. There is no reason why she shouldn’t play in the World Cup. Even if she didn’t start, her presence would be important," she remarked.
As preparations for the tournament continue, the excitement builds not only for Brazil but for the entire South American region, with the potential for the 2027 Women's World Cup to leave a lasting legacy in women's football.
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