WWC 2027 & Intercambio

Women’s World Cup & Brazil Exchange 2027

Connecting Cultures Through Education, Soccer & Exchange
Education • Empowerment • Exchange

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

In the summer of 2027, The Wagner Experience invites students, athletes, and families to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Brazil for the Women’s World Cup.

This year-long cultural exchange connects youth from the United States and Brazil through language, learning, and shared experiences. Participants will form friendships throughout the year, culminating in an unforgettable cultural immersion in Brazil — celebrating community, education, and the global passion for soccer.

Highlights include:
• Attending Women’s World Cup matches in cities such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasília, and others.
• Participating in a year-long bilingual partnership: Brazilians learning English and Americans learning Portuguese.
• Experiencing soccer, futsal, capoeira, beach soccer, food, and music — the essence of Brazilian life.
• Building lasting friendships through virtual exchanges before meeting in Brazil.

THE GIRLS SOCCER INITIATIVE

Since its inception, the Girls Soccer Initiative has been at the heart of The Wagner Experience’s mission to promote opportunity, equality, and empowerment through sport.

In Brazil, soccer is a national passion, yet organized participation for girls remains limited — particularly in the Northeast. The initiative was created to address this imbalance, opening doors for young women to experience the joy and unity of the game.

Samantha’s journey with ABC Futebol Clube in 2012 became a turning point for girls’ participation in the region. Her involvement brought visibility and inspired a generation of young athletes to believe that soccer belonged to them, too.

“Soccer has always been my passion... Living in Brazil meant I could share that passion with those who not only play, but are inspired to share in what soccer has meant to an entire country.” (Samantha Wagner)

Her story encouraged other girls to join local teams and showed that inclusion and opportunity could create change far beyond the soccer field.

KEY MILESTONES (2012–2016)

Tangará 2014: Expanding the Movement

In 2014, The Wagner Experience partnered with Delima Soccer, SEI Tangará, the Federal University of Rio Grande de Norte, ABC F.C., and Capoeira Celeiro de Bambas to host one of the region’s earliest youth events centered on inclusion through sport.

Girls and boys trained side-by-side in soccer, capoeira, and leadership workshops. Families began to see the value of girls participating — not just as spectators, but as players and leaders.

The Josa Project and Globo Sports Coverage (2016)

By 2016, the Girls Soccer Initiative had gained national recognition through the Josa Project in Natal.

Globo Esportes featured the program in a televised segment just months before the Rio Olympics, highlighting how collaboration between American and Brazilian youth created new opportunities for girls in sport and education.

“It wasn’t until I was living there that I truly understood the cultural significance of my participation as an American girl. When other girls started showing up to participate, it encouraged me to push harder.” (Samantha Wagner)

The Globo coverage showed how challenging it can be for girls in Brazil to access training similar to what’s available in the United States — and how persistence, visibility, and community partnerships can change that reality.

EXCHANGE COMPONENTS AND PARTNERS

Exchange Components:

• Joint training and exhibition matches with Brazilian counterparts.
• Futsal and beach soccer experiences emphasizing skill, creativity, and teamwork.
• Leadership and mentorship activities connecting American and Brazilian youth.
• Year-long bilingual exchange programs building confidence and cultural fluency.
• Cultural immersion through capoeira, Brazilian cuisine, and music.

Program Partners:

• SEI Tangará
• Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN)
• PSG Academy – Natal
• Capoeira Celeiro de Bambas

LOOKING AHEAD: BRAZIL 2027

As Brazil prepares to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, The Wagner Experience continues to expand its impact.

The lessons from Samantha’s story, the success of Tangará and Josa, and the visibility from Globo’s coverage form the foundation for this next chapter.

The 2027 exchange will once again unite students, athletes, and educators from both countries — celebrating not just the sport, but the shared belief that soccer is for everyone.

“It’s incredible to still be recognized in Natal as the American girl who played over a decade ago. It’s even better to see girls still participating — who back then didn’t have the opportunity.”

(Samantha Wagner)

Participants will explore one of the most beautiful countries in the world — discovering Brazil through soccer, education, and culture — while contributing to a movement that continues to change lives.

2027 WWC Intercambio: Join the Next Chapter

We are excited to announce the Wagner Experience Intercambio 2027.

This year promises even more cultural exchange, education, and service-based learning in Natal and surrounding communities.

Who Can Participate: Boys and girls ages 11-18 and their families.
When: Summer 2027 (Exact dates TBD)
Where: Natal, Brazil + Surrounding Cities + Other WWC Host Cities + Other Tourist Destinations
What to Expect: 10-14 days of soccer, capoeira, sightseeing, community service, language immersion, and life-changing experiences.
Optional: For those interested, Wagner Experience will setup a WWC 2027 experience, where you will attend games and do tourism in other major Brazilian cities, such as Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Brasilia, and more.

“Passion, Respect, Community, and Family are what participants of the Wagner Intercambio will experience.”

Interested in joining us in 2027?

📞 585.466.4907
📧 Click Here