The FIFA Council recently announced a new four-year international women’s match calendar that aimed to reduce the number of international windows available. This decision was made in response to rising concerns over the physical demands placed on elite-level players due to the congested fixture list in women’s football. England boss Sarina Wiegman and Chelsea boss Emma Hayes were among the vocal critics of the existing calendar, highlighting the increased risk of injuries faced by players. The 2026-2029 calendar will see a reduction in the number of international windows from six to five, with changes to the scheduling and frequency of matches to allow for more rest and recovery time.
The new calendar will see international windows take place in February-March, April, May-June, October, and November-December each year. The May-June and October windows will be nine days long, with up to two matches played, while February-March, April, and November-December windows will last 12 days, allowing for up to three matches. Additionally, a minimum four-week break will be provided between international opportunities, and a ten-week break will be enforced between major global tournaments. These changes aim to address the concerns raised by players and managers, providing more opportunities for rest and recovery while minimizing disruption to domestic leagues.
FIFA’s decision to revise the international match calendar was based on extensive research, analysis, and consultation with the well-being of players at its core. The changes aim to strike a balance between the needs of domestic and international competitions, ensuring that players have sufficient time to recuperate between matches and major tournaments. This decision comes at a crucial time for women’s football, with the FIFA Congress set to decide the host of the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with Brazil favored over a joint-bid from Belgium, Germany, and The Netherlands. The new calendar seeks to support the growth of the global women’s game and provide more playing opportunities for female players worldwide.
In the world of boxing, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are gearing up for a highly anticipated bout on May 18, where they will vie for the status of the first undisputed heavyweight champion since 1999. The fight for the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF titles promises to be a historic showdown between two formidable contenders. The event has generated excitement and anticipation among fans and experts alike, as both fighters aim to leave their mark on boxing history. The stakes are high as Fury and Usyk prepare to face off in what promises to be an electrifying clash between two of the sport’s finest competitors.
