Women's football: the major competitions explained

Women's football is one of the fastest-growing parts of the sport, with record crowds and TV audiences. Here's a guide to the competitions that matter most.

The FIFA Women's World Cup

The pinnacle of the international game, held every four years. The tournament has expanded with the sport — the 2023 edition featured 32 teams for the first time and was won by Spain. Like the men's event, it's the competition every nation builds toward.

Continental championships

Each confederation crowns a continental champion between World Cups, the most prominent being the UEFA Women's Euro in Europe. These tournaments have become major events in their own right, regularly setting attendance records.

The Women's Champions League

At club level, the UEFA Women's Champions League brings together the best teams in Europe, mirroring the men's competition with a group stage and knockout rounds. It has become the stage where the continent's strongest clubs and biggest stars meet.

The top domestic leagues

Professional leagues anchor the club game, including:

• WSL — the Women's Super League in England
• NWSL — the National Women's Soccer League in the United States
• Liga F — Spain's top women's division
• Strong leagues in France, Germany and beyond

These competitions have driven full-time professionalism, rising transfer activity and growing investment.

The Olympics

Women's football is also a marquee event at the Summer Olympics, where national teams compete for gold — a tournament that carries huge prestige, particularly for nations outside Europe.

A game on the rise

Bigger tournaments, packed stadiums and record broadcast deals have transformed the women's game in a few short years — and the momentum shows no sign of slowing. Follow football from across the world game on our home page.

FAQ

When is the next FIFA Women's World Cup?

The next edition takes place in 2027 in Brazil — the first Women's World Cup staged in South America — again with 32 teams. FIFA has also approved expanding the tournament to 48 teams from the 2031 edition.

Which country has won the most Women's World Cups?

The United States lead the way with four titles (1991, 1999, 2015 and 2019). Germany have won it twice, while Norway, Japan and Spain have one trophy each.

Is there an age limit in Olympic women's football?

No. Unlike the men's Olympic tournament, which is essentially an under-23 event, the women's competition is contested by full senior national teams — one reason Olympic gold carries so much prestige in the women's game.

Do women's leagues have promotion and relegation?

It depends on the country. England's WSL sits at the top of a pyramid with promotion and relegation, as do most European leagues, while the NWSL in the United States is a closed league that grows by adding expansion teams.