One day after the spectacular unveiling of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ official brand identity on Brazil’s iconic Copacabana Beach, the vital work to organise the 10th edition of the tournament marked another milestone with the formal opening of FIFA’s Rio de Janeiro office.

On Monday, 26 January, FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis, who won a record two FIFA Women’s World Cup™ trophies as a manager, addressed the 76 employees hired so far, with hundreds more to come. Currently, 65% of the FIFA27 team are female employees. “Today is a big moment. The long-awaited official opening of our offices, our home, for the next 514 days,” Ms Ellis said. “I hope you’re all excited about that! A home to make memories, to laugh, to celebrate – sometimes have a few tears together. But that’s okay, because football evokes emotions, and I know how much this truly matters to all of you here.”

Among those in attendance for the grand opening were dignitaries, officials and representatives from the city of Rio de Janeiro, the state government, the state football association and several local clubs. Over the next 17 months, the Rio office will be an epicentre of activity as the FIFA Women’s World Cup comes to life. The 2027 tournament will mark the first time that the world’s biggest women’s sporting event is staged in South America, where the popularity of women’s football has surged in recent years. The 32 participating teams will play 64 exciting matches in eight magnificent venues, all of which were used when Brazil hosted the FIFA World Cup™ in 2014.

“Now, we are looking to the future to create history. No matter where we are based: in Zurich, in Paris, in Miami, or in Rio – we are one family, one team. And, the shared mission of our team is clear: to deliver the greatest women's sporting event in history,” added Ms Ellis. “I’ve been fortunate enough to coach in two (FIFA Women’s) World Cups™ and I can tell you that success doesn’t happen by accident. “It’s built on trust, respect, preparation, hard work, and a shared belief that every single person matters. That’s how we will deliver an event to the world like we’ve never seen. The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ will redefine the standard of the game: unmatched precision, unrivalled athleticism, and fierce competitiveness.”

The past few days have seen a number of significant milestones in the preparations for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 in Brazil. In addition to the office inaugurations, Rio hosted a remarkable kick-off event that included a street festival and the unveiling of the brand. This event was broadcast live on television and streamed online, attracting the attention of the entire nation. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who travelled to Brazil for the kick-off event, took the opportunity to meet President Lula and discuss the event's impact on the country.