Women’s football is experiencing real growth on a global scale, attracting more and more fans and generating growing enthusiasm. FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the remarkable success of the sport, highlighting its significant impact on changing perceptions. At the Coaches Forum held at FIFA Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, Infantino expressed his admiration for the exceptional football played at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ last summer.
Infantino highlighted the exceptional quality of the game, highlighting the incredible goals and overall performances of the athletes that captivated audiences around the world. He acknowledged that the tournament was a watershed moment for many spectators who, perhaps for the first time, recognized the excellence and excitement that women’s football brings to the world of sport.
The President stressed the importance of capitalizing on this new appreciation, emphasizing the need to continue to foster the growth and recognition of women’s football on a global scale. The two-day Coaches Forum provided a platform for coaches to share their knowledge in technical starting, competition and officiating.
During the discussions, Infantino discussed the expansion of youth competitions, revealing plans to increase the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup to 24 teams. Additionally, the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will become an annual event in the future, demonstrating FIFA’s commitment to promoting women’s football at different levels.
The positive momentum generated by the recent Women’s World Cup has not only elevated the status of women’s football, but has also sparked vital conversations and initiatives within the football community. The Coaches Forum demonstrates FIFA’s commitment to advancing the sport, providing a platform for collaboration and exchange of ideas between football leaders.
This new recognition of women’s football, accompanied by initiatives such as the expansion of youth competitions, promises a bright future for women’s football globally. Fans and the players themselves can now look forward to greater visibility, increased opportunities and well-deserved recognition. FIFA, for its part, will continue to actively support the growth and evolution of this sport, with the aim of making women’s football a real force on the pitch and in minds.