Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup marks a significant moment for women’s football in the Arab world, following major victories in recent tournaments like UEFA Euro 2022. Despite Morocco’s qualification for the upcoming World Cup, many Arab nations face challenges in women’s football participation. Saudi Arabia has made strides in developing women’s football since 2019, indicating a growing commitment to the sport and potential for future growth and success.
The recent announcement of Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup coincides perfectly with a celebrated period for women’s football. Following England’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 victory, there’s renewed enthusiasm in the Arab world. The Euro win highlighted women’s football advancements globally, with successful tournaments in Brazil and South Africa reinforcing the trend of smashing barriers in this sport.
Despite these successes, Arab women’s football still faces challenges, particularly regarding participation at elite levels. Morocco stands out as the only Arab nation qualified for the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, largely due to its strong performance in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Factors affecting broader Arab involvement include political, cultural, and sporting issues.
In terms of performance metrics, African Arab nations are leading compared to their Asian counterparts. Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria rank variably, whereas Jordan leads among Asian Arab nations. Historical context shows African teams have been participating longer in international matches, contributing to their current standings in FIFA rankings.
The evolution of Saudi women’s football has gained momentum since the establishment of the Women’s Football Department at the SAFF in 2019. Initiatives include launching the Women’s Football League and forming a dedicated Regional Football League. These developments showcase Saudi Arabia’s effort to create competitive opportunities for women in football, culminating in Al-Mamlaka winning the National Football Championship.
Saudi Arabia’s women’s league outcomes came with challenges but proved successful, such as hiring Asian female referees and advancing local officials’ training. Notably, coach Monika Staab was appointed to guide the national team towards international competition, beginning with their first international match against Seychelles.
The excitement from girls across Saudi Arabia reflects a bright future for women’s football. As the SAFF pushes for the national team’s inclusion in FIFA ratings and competitions, hosting the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup presents a significant opportunity to inspire future generations. The prospect of celebrating in a similar fashion to Wembley in the near future holds promise should Saudi Arabia secure the hosting rights.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
