FIFA has introduced new regulations aimed at increasing women’s participation on the sidelines in its women’s football competitions.

Approved by the FIFA Council on March 19, 2026, the policy requires that every team in FIFA-organized women’s tournaments must have at least one female head coach or assistant coach.

“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,” said Jill Ellis

The regulations will take effect starting with the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, followed by the U17 Women’s World Cup and the senior FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027, which will be hosted in Brazil