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FIFA has introduced a groundbreaking rule requiring all teams participating in women’s tournaments to include a female head coach or assistant.
The regulation was passed at FIFA’s council meeting on Thursday and will take effect at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland this September.
The new rule will also apply to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, the second edition of the Women’s Champions Cup, and the inaugural Women’s Club World Cup in two years.
FIFA said the initiative is part of its broader strategy “to ensure that the rapid growth of the women’s game is matched by an increased representation of women in technical and leadership roles.”
Jill Ellis, FIFA’s chief football officer and former United States head coach, noted that coaching positions remain largely male-dominated.
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“There are simply not enough women in coaching today. We must do more to accelerate change by creating clearer pathways, expanding opportunities, and increasing visibility for women on our sidelines,” she said.
Under the new regulations, each team must have at least two female staff members on the bench, which can include the mandatory coach, and one woman on the medical staff. FIFA said these changes are intended to provide opportunities for current and future generations of female coaches.
“This is an important investment in the development of women in football, ensuring that growth on the pitch is matched by leadership opportunities off it,” Ellis added.
The rule reflects FIFA’s commitment to gender equality and the long-term professionalisation of women’s football, aiming to address the imbalance in coaching representation and empower women across all levels of the sport.
Officials described the move as a key step toward creating more inclusive and diverse football environments, promoting both performance and leadership for women worldwide.
