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WILL THERE BE A PARALLEL WOMEN'S FOOTBALL AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP?

The 2026 World Cup is just around the corner, and many are wondering if there will be room for women's football during this mega-event. Although historically both tournaments have been played separately, some are calling for women's football to have greater visibility, taking advantage of the media boom surrounding the men's game. In this article, we explore whether there will be parallel matches, what FIFA's plans are, and how the audience and level of women's football have grown in recent years. An analysis with data, humor, and plenty of football passion.

Women's football today


Women's football has exploded in popularity over the last 10 years. It went from being a niche spectacle to filling stadiums like Camp Nou (with record attendance in 2022). Teams like Barcelona Women, the United States Women's National Team, and the England Women's National Team have set a very high standard and gained millions of fans worldwide.


Data that demonstrates the growth


  • The 2023 Women's World Cup had a global audience of over 2 billion people, doubling the 2019 figures.

  • The 2023 final between Spain and England was watched by over 90 million in Europe alone.

  • On social media, players like Alexia Putellas, Sam Kerr, and Megan Rapinoe have millions of followers and interactions.

  • FIFA projects that women's football can generate more than $500 million annually in TV rights by 2030. The growth is real, and with more professional leagues, strong sponsorships, and media coverage, the future is promising. But… is it ready to play alongside the men's World Cup?

Can they be played in parallel?


Currently, FIFA does not foresee the Women's World Cup being played at the same time as the Men's World Cup. Historically, they are held in different years to avoid commercial and media overlap. However, with the recent boom, alternative tournaments, exhibitions, and tours are being considered that take advantage of World Cup fever to give visibility to women's football.


What could happen in 2026?


  • Exhibition tournaments: Some women's clubs could tour North America taking advantage of the event.

  • Parallel mini-cups: Such as the Women's Cup or friendly tournaments between national teams, taking advantage of the World Cup spotlight.

  • Brand activations: Companies like Nike, Adidas, and Visa have already invested in exclusive campaigns with female players.

  • Shared spaces at Fan Fests: With matches Women's matches will be broadcast on giant screens during the World Cup. Although there won't be an official Women's World Cup running concurrently, it's likely that women's football will be featured at other events. Furthermore, with the tournament expanded to 48 men's teams, the logistics are already a huge challenge, and adding another full tournament would be unfeasible at this time.

The world of football is buzzing with anticipation. The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and national teams are battling for their place in the biggest tournament, where every match defines the dreams and hopes of millions of fans.With three host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—this edition promises to be historic: more teams, more goals, and a unique global experience. Coaches are fine-tuning their strategies, and players are vying for their ticket to the most anticipated tournament.The countdown has begun. The ball is about to start rolling, and the whole world awaits the moment a new chapter begins.The World Cup is almost here… and the passion is palpable.

The world of football is buzzing with anticipation. The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and national teams are battling for their place in the biggest tournament, where every match defines the dreams and hopes of millions of fans.With three host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—this edition promises to be historic: more teams, more goals, and a unique global experience. Coaches are fine-tuning their strategies, and players are vying for their ticket to the most anticipated tournament.The countdown has begun. The ball is about to start rolling, and the whole world awaits the moment a new chapter begins.The World Cup is almost here… and the passion is palpable.

What the future promises


Although the 2026 World Cup will not have a parallel women's tournament, the future looks very different. FIFA has already announced that it wants to equalize prize money for men and women in future tournaments. And countries like Australia, Spain, and the United States are leading a revolution in women's football with high-level professional leagues, fairer salaries, and greater visibility.


And if we dream big?


  • A joint World Cup: in the future, there could be parallel phases, sharing venues and dates with rotating stadiums.

  • A global women's club tournament: like a women's Champions League played during the men's World Cup.

  • Full integration into FIFA marketing: selling women's football jerseys, figurines, and merchandise at the same level.

  • Cross-narratives: series, documentaries, and digital content that link the stories of players and players.


New generations don't distinguish between genders when talking about idols. For many boys and girls, Alex Morgan or Aitana Bonmatí are just as amazing as Mbappé or Haaland. If the market demands it, change will come. Perhaps the 2030 or 2034 World Cup will bring that revolution that for now only exists in talk and sketches. Football, like life, always moves forward.


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