FIFA Confirms Arena de São Paulo on Track for World Cup Opener
FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke has confirmed that the Arena de São Paulo in Itaquera will be ready to host the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, following his visit to the site this week.
The stadium, which has faced delays in its construction, was the first stop on Valcke’s tour of key host cities. The French official is currently on a nationwide inspection trip across Brazil, accompanied by Brazil’s Minister of Sports, Aldo Rebelo, and Brazilian football legend Ronaldo, who serves on the Local Organising Committee’s Board of Directors.
Valcke is also scheduled to visit stadiums and meet local authorities in Curitiba, Cuiabá, and Fortaleza during the course of the week.
Speaking after inspecting the Arena de São Paulo, Valcke struck a cautious but optimistic tone. “Today we received the latest updates on the progress of the work and I can confirm that the Arena de São Paulo will be ready for the opening match,” he said.
He also outlined the next key milestone: a test event scheduled for 17 or 18 May, when Corinthians will face Figueirense in a Brazilian league match. The game is intended to serve as a live rehearsal for the stadium’s readiness and infrastructure.
“That test event will allow us to assess the structure,” Valcke said. “After that, we will have three weeks to correct anything that isn’t functioning properly. It’s a race against time, and with almost 50 days to go until the opening, we don’t have a single minute to lose.”
Brazil’s preparations for the tournament have been under close scrutiny, with several stadiums facing construction delays, budget overruns, and safety concerns. The Arena de São Paulo, one of the most high-profile venues, has drawn particular attention due to earlier setbacks and its role as the venue for the tournament’s opening ceremony and first match.
Despite the tight schedule, FIFA officials have remained confident that all necessary preparations will be completed in time for the World Cup’s kickoff.
As the countdown to the tournament continues, Valcke’s tour is expected to play a key role in reinforcing coordination between FIFA, the Brazilian government, and local organising bodies to ensure a successful tournament launch.
