Under the new rules, every team’s bench must include at least two female staff members, with one occupying a head coach or assistant coach position. The regulations cover all youth and senior tournaments for both clubs and national teams, aiming to accelerate the growth of women in leadership roles within the sport.
At the 2023 Women’s World Cup, only 12 of the 32 head coaches were female, including England manager Sarina Wiegman, highlighting the need for greater inclusion. Jill Ellis, FIFA’s chief football officer, emphasized the urgency of the change: “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.”
The governing body hopes the new regulations, supported by development programs for female coaches, will significantly boost female representation ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Several high-profile female coaches exemplify the potential impact of the new rules. London-born Emma Hayes leads Chelsea with assistant Denise Reddy at the U.S., while other notable English coaches include Gemma Grainger’s national team coach"], Casey StoneyCanada women’s national team coach"], and Carla Ward’s national team coach"].
Canadian Rhian Wilkinson guided Wales to their first major tournament at Euro 2025, while Wiegman has led England to consecutive European titles and has been named FIFA Best Women’s Coach four times. Wiegman, the only female coach in the 2023 World Cup quarterfinals, has long advocated for a better gender balance in coaching, saying, “Males are welcome too but if the balance is better, hopefully that will inspire more women to get involved in coaching.”
The new FIFA regulations mark a strategic commitment to leveling the playing field, ensuring that women are increasingly visible in football leadership at every level.