FIFA has passed a landmark rule requiring women's national teams to have either a female head coach or assistant, marking a significant shift in football governance. The regulation, approved at FIFA's council meeting, will take effect at the under-20 Women's World Cup in September and apply to all major tournaments including the Women's World Cup.

FIFA chief football officer Jill Ellis, former US national team coach, emphasized the need for change, stating there aren't enough women in coaching despite the sport's rapid growth. The new rules mandate at least two female staff members on the bench and one woman on medical staff for all youth and senior tournaments, national team competitions, and club competitions.

FIFA's initiatives include a coach scholarship programme supporting 795 female coaches across 73 member associations and a three-year mentorship programme pairing experienced and emerging coaches. The organization hopes these measures will complement existing development programmes and create clearer pathways for women in football coaching. The timing aligns with growing representation, as seven female head coaches participated in last summer's women's Euros, though still less than half of all teams.