Growing the women’s game (April 2026)

Inside FIFA reviews some of the recent development work in women's football across diverse regions of the world during April 2026 including activity across much of the globe, plus 2023 co-hosts New Zealand reach Brazil 2027. 

Women's Football Campaign, Bhutan

Investing in the future: Jill Ellis and Arsène Wenger call for renewed commitment to women and youth

FIFA’s Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis and FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger stressed the need for a renewed commitment to investing in women’s football and youth development. 

Jill Ellis, Chief Football Officer of FIFA, speaks during the 76th FIFA Congress

FIFA Council decision has helped Afghan women “regain our identity”

Afghan female players say they have regained their identity following the FIFA Council’s decision allow them to represent their country in official international matches. 

Players of Afghan Women United pose for a picture

FIFA and AFC enable Afghan women to represent their country in official matches through landmark governance reform 

The FIFA Council today approved a momentous amendment to the FIFA Governance Regulations, which enables Afghan female players – including members of Afghan Women United – to represent their country in official international matches as part of FIFA.

Afghan Women United shirt

FIFA Council increases record financial distribution to all 48 Participating Member Associations at the FIFA World Cup 2026™

The FIFA Council met ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, a Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, 44 days before the kick-off of the tournament.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during meeting no. 36 of the FIFA Council in Vancouver, Canada

In Paris, FIFA celebrates a new generation of women’s football leaders

The final stage of FIFA’s Women in Football Leadership Programme convened in Paris last week, marking a key milestone for a new generation of leaders in the global game.

Group picture during FIFA’s Women in Football Leadership Programme in Paris

Caribbean nations benefit from FIFA Women’s Football Campaign

The FIFA’s Women’s Football Campaign allows Member Associations to build grassroots participation and the world governing body has funded many campaigns including high-profile events in the Caribbean and Mauritius. 

Puerto Rico celebrate at the CFU U14 Challenge Girls Series

Unprecedented broadcast coverage for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ secured across Europe

FIFA today announced the highest level of broadcast coverage ever secured in Europe for a FIFA Women’s World Cup™ following the signing of two major media-rights agreements with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Saran Media Group. 

A pitchside television camera

Shake-up amongst leaders in latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking

Some 276 relevant international fixtures have been contested since the previous instalment of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking was published last December.  England up one place following victory over leaders Spain

Lauren Hemp of England celebrates scoring her team's first goal with teammate Alex Greenwood during the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifier between England and Spain at Wembley Stadium

FIFA Legend Aline Pellegrino completes executive leadership line-up for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™

A footballing legend has joined the leadership line-up for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™. Aline Pellegrino, former captain of the Brazilian national team, has been appointed Executive Director of Legacy and Stakeholder Affairs at FIFA27..

FIFA Legend Aline Pellegrino has been appointed Executive Director of Legacy and Stakeholder Affairs at FIFA27

FIFA Series™ provides a launchpad for Mauritanian women’s football

After playing at the FIFA Series 2026™ in Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritania will enter the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking for the first time.

Côte d'Ivoire v Mauritania - FIFA Women's Series 2026 

Ambitious Côte d’Ivoire set to shine as Women’s FIFA Series™ hosts

Côte d’Ivoire is once again taking on the role of host for the inaugural Women’s FIFA Series 2026™, two years after successfully hosting the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Team Base Camp Brochure for FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ released

The 32 national teams that qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ will be offered the choice of a wide range of world-class training and accommodation facilities.

Granja Comary -  Team Base Camp Brochure for FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ released 

FIFA Series 2026™ helps Thailand promote women’s football

This year’s FIFA Series 2026™ marks an important milestone for Football Association of Thailand; it will be the first FIFA competition since the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2012 was held in the Southeast Asian nation. 

Women's National Team of Thailand

Pakistan women’s national team set for historic debut on FIFA stage

Taking part in the FIFA Series represents a significant milestone for the Pakistan women’s national team. For the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), the tournament is more than just a sporting event.

PAKISTAN HEAD COACH ADEEL RIZKI HOLDS A TRAINING SESSION

FIFA, GIZ and La Guilde webinar highlights how women’s football can drive lasting social change

Football’s ability to create opportunities for girls and women was at the centre of a webinar held by FIFA, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the NGO La Guilde on Thursday, 2 April.

FIFA and GIZ initiative - Women's football

Growing the women’s game (March 2026)

Inside FIFA reviews some of the recent development work in diverse regions of the world during March 2026 including activity across much of Africa and elsewhere, the first qualifiers for 2027 and the FIFA Player Impact Programme builds momentum. 

Women’s Football Campaign, Bitola, North Macedonia

Japan triumph as AFC Women’s Asian Cup sends strong signal for women’s football

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 came to a spectacular close in Sydney as Japan defeated the hosts 1-0 to lift the continental title for the third time.

Japan lift the trophy, having won the 2026 Women's Asian Cup

FIFA Council highlights power of football and the FIFA World Cup™ to build bridges and promote peace

FIFA’s steadfast commitment to peace and unity was at the core of the online FIFA Council meeting held at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland, at which FIFA President Gianni Infantino called for peace.

FIFA Council Meeting 2026

FIFA Council approves landmark regulations to increase female coach representation at the highest level

The FIFA Council has today approved groundbreaking regulations that will reshape the future of women’s football, mandating female representation in team leadership across all its women’s competitions. 

FIFA Women's Football Elite Performance Coach Mentorship Programme

FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings go live with real-time updates during men’s and women’s national team matches

The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings will now be updated live in an exciting and innovative change that will mean fans can see where their country ranks as goals are scored in matches around the world.

FIFA - FIFA Rankings graphic

Australia become first team to qualify for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™

Australia have become the first country to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ with the 2023 co-hosts and semi-finalists reaching the global showpiece for the ninth successive edition.

Australia v Korea DPR - AFC Women's Asian Cup - Australia Qualification

Romania and Uganda unlock women’s football’s commercial potential with FIFA support

The FIFA Commercial Strategy was established to enhance the commercial value of women’s football, with Romania and Uganda recently taking part in pilot projects focussed on their national leagues, with the programme available to all Member Associations. 

FIFA Commercial Strategy programme launch, Romania

Jill Ellis focuses on expanding opportunity on International Women’s Day

Two consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup titles and a pair of FIFA World Coach of the Year awards stand as an emphatic testament to Jill Ellis’ managerial talent. 

Panel Discussion with Arsène Wenger and Jill Ellis

'Representation matters' for female referees says Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb on International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day provides a vital opportunity to celebrate the women shaping football at every level; female referees are increasingly breaking barriers, demonstrating on the field that excellence and competence define authority rather than gender

The Game Changers with Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb

Sissi on women's football evolution: ‘No one dreamed of it’

When Sisleide do Amor Lima, better known to the football world as Sissi, was told as a child that playing the game was out of the question for a girl, it sparked a rebellion inside her that drove her all the way to the top of the sport.

FIFAPLS_MD_B_Sissi_Hero_01_AR

Mentorship programme driving unity and shared learning among top female coaches

The third edition of FIFA’s Elite Performance: Coach Mentorship Programme is in full swing, with the second workshop having been staged in London, England. 

FIFA’s Elite Performance: Coach Mentorship Programme in London

Growing the women’s game (February 2026)

Inside FIFA reviews some of the recent development work in diverse regions of the world during February 2026 including activity in Uganda, Ghana, Romania, Paraguay, further milestones on the road to Brazil 2027 and more. 

Ghana U-15 Girls Regional Colts League, Ashanti Regional Football Association

Afghan Women United out to hit new heights

After having contested their first-ever matches at the FIFA Unites: Women’s Series 2025™, Afghan Women United, the FIFA-funded Afghan women’s refugee team, coached by Paulin Hamill, are now seeking to take their game to the next level

Afghan Women United Training Camp in Doncaster

FIFA Series 2026™ match schedule now available

FIFA has today published the official match schedule for the FIFA Series 2026™, marking the next major milestone in the continued expansion of the initiative designed to drive the development of men’s and women’s national teams.

FIFA Series 2026

Papua New Guinea’s Bilums target new goals with FIFA Forward support

Papua New Guinea’s women’s national team have long been queens of the Pacific, but now their sights are set on claiming the Oceanian crown - and the rich prize that goes with it - thanks in part to support from FIFA Forward. 

Papua New Guinea WomenÕs National Team Training

Stunning Host City illustrations revealed as Brazil marks 500 days until the FIFA Women’s World Cup

With exactly 500 days to go until the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™, the host nation is already brimming with the joyful and inclusive atmosphere that will define the tournament.

FWWC27_500DTG_Rio de Janeiro 16x9 Clean

The FIFA Podcast kicks off in 2026 with FIFA Women’s Champions Cup special

The FIFA Podcast is set to continue bringing football fans interviews and analysis around FIFA’s major tournaments and events in 2026.

Podcast ahead of the FWCC London 2026 Final

January 2026 transfer window sees very strong activity in both men’s and women’s football

The most recent transfer window saw a record number of moves in men’s professional football, albeit with a decrease in terms of spending compared to January 2025. In women’s professional football, there was record spending.

Gianni Infantino calls FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ “important step” as Arsenal win maiden edition 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ “an important step” after watching Arsenal Women FC defeat SC Corinthians in a “crazy” final to become the first winners of the competition. 

Arsenal Women FC v SC Corinthians - FIFA Women's Champions Cup 2026 Final

Aramco confirmed as FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026™ Official Sponsor 

Aramco has been named Official Energy Sponsor of the inaugural edition of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™, which is set to crown the first-ever women’s intercontinental club champions in London on Sunday, 1 February 2026.

FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ heralds a new era for the women’s game

Two FIFA Women's World Cup™ winners have told an event in London that the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup™ will have a profound effect on the women's game by encouraging development around the world.

Women's Football - A Global Conversation: Opportunity On and Off the Pitch

FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026™ legacy to power the next generation of elite female coaches

The final stage of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2026™ in London marks a watershed moment for women’s club football, with an impact that extends far beyond the four pivotal matches on the pitch. 

Growing the women’s game (January 2026)

Inside FIFA reviews some of the recent development work in diverse regions of the world during January 2026 including activity across multiple regions and more landmark FIFA tournaments for women’s football. 

Women's Football Campaign, Potosi, Bolivia

FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ office opens in Rio de Janeiro

One day after the spectacular unveiling of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ official brand identity on Brazil’s iconic Copacabana Beach, the vital work to organise the 10th edition of the tournament marked another milestone.

Squads announced ahead of landmark FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ final stage 

As excitement continues to build ahead of the home straight of the maiden FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™, the four participating teams have named their squads.

Global stars come together as the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ arrives in London

London has officially become the epicentre of the women’s club football world, as the continental champions gathered in the English capital ahead of the final phase of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™.

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