Brazil is beginning to come into view for the women’s international game, with FIFA setting out the operational framework for next summer’s tournament. Spain, the reigning world champions under Sofía Bermúdez, are expected to be among the finalists, but the new regulations make clear that the journey will be governed as much by deadlines, accreditation and pitch access as by the football itself.
Every participating team must reach the city of its opening fixture no later than three days before that match. Before then, federations must submit a preliminary squad containing between 24 and 35 players, including at least four goalkeepers. Each entry must be accompanied by an identification photograph and passport copy for every player named.
The same initial submission can include as many as 75 delegation members, covering roles such as the coach, team doctor and head of delegation, so that background checks, visas and accreditation can be processed. The final squad must contain from 23 to 26 players, with a minimum of three goalkeepers.
Squads, replacements and the stadium timetable
An outfield player on the final list can be replaced only by someone from the preliminary group, and only when a serious injury or illness is confirmed up to 24 hours before the team’s first match. The participating side must nominate the replacement and notify FIFA. A detailed medical report, submitted in one of FIFA’s official languages, must then be accepted by FIFA’s medical commission, represented at the competition by its chief medical officer.
The regulations also state that a player removed through injury must surrender her accreditation and will no longer count as part of the final squad. Goalkeepers receive a separate allowance: they may be replaced from the provisional list at any point during the competition in the event of serious injury or illness.
On matchday, both sides must follow the countdown procedure provided before kick-off and arrive at the stadium at least 80 minutes beforehand. Players and delegation staff are barred from displaying political, religious or personal messages, in any language or format. Commercial messages are likewise prohibited during FIFA-organised activities, including matches, official training sessions, press conferences and mixed-zone duties.
FIFA intends to protect the playing surface as the tournament progresses. Unofficial training will not be permitted on match pitches before second-stage fixtures, while official sessions will normally be held at the training sites assigned by FIFA. Exceptions may be made where pitch conditions allow.
Teams involved in the second phase may inspect the stadium on the eve of their match. During that familiarisation visit, players and staff may walk on the grass in sports footwear solely to check the surface, and may move around the venue to understand its layout. Media access will be allowed for the first 15 minutes.
Provided the weather and field permit it, teams can warm up on the pitch on matchday. The standard session will last 30 minutes, beginning 50 minutes before kick-off and ending 20 minutes before the start. FIFA can shorten, cancel or confine the warm-up to certain areas if the surface is at risk or a competition ceremony requires the field.
What the teams must fund
The participating national teams will be responsible for insurance covering every delegation member, along with accommodation and meal costs above FIFA’s agreed allowance. They must also meet hotel extras, expenses for additional personnel beyond the number covered by FIFA or the host federation, and costs for dressing-room or meeting-room equipment not supplied by FIFA.
Any menu items outside the food arrangements agreed by FIFA and the team hotels will also fall to the delegations. FIFA and the host federation, meanwhile, will cover or contribute towards business-class return travel, domestic transport, accommodation, meals and laundry services.
