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FIFA Mandates Female Coaches for Women's Tournaments

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

FIFA requires all teams in its women’s tournaments to have at least one female head coach or assistant coach.
The policy also requires at least two female staff on each team’s bench.
The rules take effect first at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland and the Women’s Champions Cup.
FIFA's Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis emphasizes clearer pathways for women in coaching to address the gender gap.

History

Historical Context

Title IX, enacted in 1972, transformed women's sports in the U.S. by prohibiting gender discrimination, boosting female athlete participation from 300,000 to over 3 million by 2010. In 2023, FIFA's policy requiring at least one female coach for women's tournaments reflects a global commitment to gender equity, aiming to create sustainable opportunities and reshape the future of women's football.

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Story summary

FIFA requires all teams in its women’s tournaments to have at least one female head coach or assistant coach.
The policy also requires at least two female staff on each team’s bench.
The rules take effect first at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland and the Women’s Champions Cup.
FIFA's Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis emphasizes clearer pathways for women in coaching to address the gender gap.

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