Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup comes after a historic week for women’s football, highlighted by England’s Euro 2022 victory and triumphs by Brazil and South Africa in their respective tournaments. Women’s football faces challenges in Arab nations, with Morocco being the only Arab team to qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, yet there is cautious optimism with increasing support for the women’s game in the region.
A momentous announcement from Saudi Arabia regarding their bid for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup coincided with a significant week for women’s football, culminating in England’s historic win at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. England’s 2-1 victory over Germany marked their first major title since the 1966 men’s World Cup, embedding this summer as pivotal for women’s football on a global scale.
In addition to England’s triumph, Brazil’s women’s national team claimed the Copa America Femenina title, and South Africa emerged victorious in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Morocco. January 2022 saw China crowned as the AFC Women’s Asian Cup champions, demonstrating the flourishing progress of women’s football around the world.
Attention is now shifting toward the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup scheduled in Australia and New Zealand. However, the challenges that Arab female footballers face are evident, with only Morocco qualifying thus far due to their performance in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The lack of Arab representation at the highest levels in women’s football is attributed to various factors, including political, cultural, and sporting obstacles. Currently, comparing the success of women’s football in Arab nations with that of Europe and the Americas remains premature, but there is an emerging trend of optimism as regional federations increasingly support women’s football initiatives.
In terms of FIFA rankings, the top Arab women’s teams from Africa include Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt, while in Asia, Jordan, Bahrain, and the UAE represent the Arab countries. Historical participation dates indicate that Arab nations in Africa have been involved in women’s football longer than their counterparts in Asia, yet the growth of the sport is unfolding in both regions.
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) launched the women’s football league in 2020, marking a significant development in the Kingdom’s approach to women’s sports. With the successful establishment of regional leagues and coaching programs underway, the SAFF aims to enhance the competitive landscape for women’s football in Saudi Arabia.
On January 8, 2022, Al-Mamlaka was named the first national champions in Saudi history, a milestone that highlighted the growth of the women’s league and the competitive spirit of its participants. This effort includes hiring female referees and providing qualifications for local officials, establishing a foundation for sustainable growth.
German coach Monika Staab has been appointed to lead the Saudi women’s national team, bringing her extensive experience to foster talent in the country. Under her guidance, the national team has already achieved its first international match victory, marking an encouraging start for women’s football in Saudi Arabia.
The SAFF’s commitment to grassroots development includes training programs and coaching certifications that have already trained hundreds of educators to facilitate the sport at school levels. The latest talents from this generation are making waves, with players like Al-Bandari Mubarak noted for their contributions to the national team.
The ambition for Saudi Arabia is to secure a spot and compete officially on the world stage, with ongoing efforts indicating strong potential for future success. The recent bid for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup could provide a significant opportunity to inspire a new generation of female footballers in the Kingdom, as the excitement for the sport grows nationwide.
In summary, the increasing support and development of women’s football in Arab nations, particularly in Saudi Arabia, signals a promising future. If they succeed in hosting the upcoming Asian Cup, the Kingdom might witness a celebration of women’s football that rivals the jubilation seen at Wembley.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
