Women's football seeks reforms amid U20 World Cup boycott discussions

The Guardian Sport2 min read • Latest: Aug 15, 2026, 11:00 AM

Last updated Aug 15, 2026

Women's football seeks reforms amid U20 World Cup boycott discussions
Summary

Calls for a boycott of the Women’s U20 World Cup have emerged amidst criticisms of FIFA president Gianni Infantino's comments on women's empowerment. Women’s football advocates argue that withholding participation could catalyze significant reforms within FIFA. Infantino's past remarks, deemed condescending by many women in the sport, highlight ongoing frustrations with leadership's approach. The lead-up to the World Cup presents an opportunity for players and stakeholders to assert their demands for change in governance and resources allocated to women's football.

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By the Numbers
  • Calls for a boycott of the U20 World Cup are gaining traction.
  • Gianni Infantino’s earlier comments spark backlash among women in football.
  • Infantino's speeches reflect long-standing issues in women's football governance.
  • Upcoming U20 World Cup presents a critical moment for advocacy and change.
Latest Updates
  • 11:00 AMThe Guardian SportWomen’s U20 World Cup boycott may hurt in short term but can send Fifa a vital message | Tom Garry
What they're saying
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Women’s football has much to gain from the kind of reforms that threats to snub upcoming tournaments might prompt. Infantino should be taken on “And I say to all the women … Pick the right battles. Pick the right fights. You have the power to change. You have the power to convince us men what we have to do and what we don’t have to do. You do it. Just do it. With men, with Fifa, you will find open doors. Just push the doors. They are open.” Those were the condescending words of Fifa’s president, Gianni Infantino, three years ago during a tone-deaf speech in Sydney, which left his audience, including some of the most senior women in the game, exasperated. It is a damning indictment of Infantino’s tenure that his patronising monologue on the eve of the Women’s World Cup final now barely even creeps into the top 10 of the most controversial moments since his latest re-election, in March 2023. Continue reading...

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