Brazil's Women's Blind Football Team: A Historic Debut at the World Cup

The Brazilian women's blind football national team, established in 2025, made its debut at the World Championship in Kochi, India, in October 2025. The team, which had been formed in response to decades of gender and disability prejudice in sports, finished fourth in the tournament after losing to Argentina in the semi-finals and Japan in the third-place playoff. Eliane Gonçalves, a 39-year-old midfielder who scored Brazil's first goal in the tournament, expressed the team's determination, stating, “We are the first, but we will not be the last.”

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Blind football has a long history in Brazil, with practices dating back to the 1940s. However, it was not until 2025 that a formal women's team was established, following years of neglect and lack of investment. Lígia Nogueira, the team's goalkeeper, transitioned from conventional football to blind football, highlighting the unique challenges of guiding visually impaired teammates. “I thought I knew how to be a goalkeeper,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for communication in her new role.

The Guardian

The formation of the women's blind football team represents a significant step toward inclusivity in sports. Wagner Xavier, an anthropologist, noted that the long delay in establishing the team was due to football being historically viewed as a male domain. He explained that women with disabilities faced compounded barriers, resulting in a lack of organized competitions. The visibility of athletes like Gonçalves aims to inspire young women with visual impairments, fostering a sense of representation and possibility in sports.

The Guardian

The Brazilian Football Confederation organized the first women's blind football festival in May 2022, which brought together 26 athletes and laid the groundwork for future competitions. Gonçalves expressed her hope that sport could provide a pathway for others facing similar challenges, stating, “Sport is here to embrace us.”

The Guardian

Despite the progress, the team faces ongoing challenges, including a lack of funding and resources. The absence of a domestic league for scouting talent has made the team's formation and training more difficult. Critics argue that without sustained investment, the growth of women's blind football in Brazil may be hindered.

The Guardian

• “When I started losing my vision, I was very lost. Everything was completely different,” — Eliane Gonçalves, Midfielder

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• “I thought I knew how to be a goalkeeper,” — Lígia Nogueira, Goalkeeper

The Guardian

• “There is someone representing me – so there is a point of access. I could be there too. I could compete for a medal.” — Wagner Xavier, Anthropologist

The Guardian

With the Copa América scheduled to take place in São Paulo in September 2026, the Brazilian women's blind football team aims to build on their World Cup experience and further establish their presence in the sport. The team's journey reflects a broader movement towards inclusivity and recognition of women athletes with disabilities in Brazil.

The Guardian