The evolving landscape of women’s football in the Middle East and Africa

Women’s football in the Middle East and Africa has undergone a quiet revolution in recent years. What was once a side-lined and underfunded pursuit is now gaining legitimacy, visibility and investment. From grassroots programs in rural Africa to professional leagues in Gulf countries, the momentum is undeniable. However, progress is far from uniform, and female players across the regions continue to face cultural, political and structural challenges. 

Africa: From grassroots to global stage 
Africa has long been home to incredible football talent, and this includes its women. Countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, and Morocco have been trailblazers: 

• Nigeria’s Super Falcons are the most successful team in African women’s football history, with 11 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) titles and regular FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances.
• South Africa’s Banyana Banyana won their first WAFCON in 2022 and have made significant strides in international tournaments.
• Morocco’s national team made headlines in 2023 by becoming the first Arab and North African team to qualify for the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Currently, Morocco is hosting the 2024 WAFCON tournament¹, the flagship event for women’s football in Africa, showcasing the continent’s top talent and acting as a direct qualifier for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games.

At the grassroots, NGOs and local clubs are increasingly offering training, scholarships, and safe spaces for girls to play. Yet, disparities in funding, media coverage, and infrastructure remain pressing issues.

African firms playing leading roles in women’s football 

The Middle East: Challenging traditions and forging ahead 
The Middle East presents a more complex picture, where progress varies widely between countries: 

• Saudi Arabia has made surprising strides by launching its women's national team in 2021 and hosting the inaugural Saudi Women’s Premier League.
• Jordan and Lebanon have been regional pioneers. Jordan hosted the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2016, a landmark moment for the region.
• Iran has talented players and a dedicated domestic league, but strict regulations and social norms continue to limit international participation and fan engagement. 

Still, there is growing support from governments and federations, with investment in coaching, training facilities, and youth development. The rise of female sports journalists and influencers is also helping reshape public perception. 

Middle Eastern firms playing leading roles in women’s football

Barriers to growth
Despite growing momentum, women’s football in the Middle East and Africa still faces significant hurdles rooted in culture, gender norms, and infrastructure. 

• Cultural and gender norms - In many communities, football is still seen as a male domain. Girls who play may face social stigma, family resistance, or limited support, especially in conservative or rural areas. The idea of women competing publicly challenges traditional roles and expectations. 
• Male-dominated football systems - Football systems—from clubs to media to coaching—remain male-dominated. Women’s teams often receive fewer resources, poorer facilities, and less recognition. Leadership roles for women in coaching and administration are still rare, reinforcing exclusion. 
• Attire and “appropriate” dress - In some Middle Eastern countries, what female players wear is highly scrutinised. Modesty expectations can limit what’s acceptable on the field, and even with FIFA’s approval of the hijab, debates around appearance persist—impacting player freedom and sponsorship. 
• Audience restrictions - In some contexts, only women are allowed to attend female matches, limiting exposure and revenue potential. Where mixed-gender audiences are permitted, logistical and cultural challenges remain.
• Media and visibility – Women’s matches often receive minimal coverage, reducing sponsorship opportunities and limiting the visibility of female role models for young girls. This isn’t unique to the Middle East or Africa—it’s a global issue. Even in regions with established women’s leagues, mainstream sports media remains heavily male-focused. While social media and streaming platforms are helping bridge the gap, consistent, high-quality coverage is still lacking.
• Conflict and instability - In politically unstable or conflict-affected areas, women’s football often gets sidelined altogether, with safety concerns and lack of basic infrastructure making it difficult to build or sustain programs.

The power of football: More than a game 
For many women and girls, football is more than a sport—it’s a form of empowerment. Playing offers freedom, visibility, and confidence. Female players are increasingly becoming role models and voices for change in their communities. 

Initiatives like FIFA’s “Women’s Football Strategy,”² CAF’s focus on female development, and local advocacy efforts are opening new doors. With more institutional support and cultural openness, the landscape is slowly transforming. 

Looking ahead
These initiatives in Africa and the Middle East represent essential groundwork—investing in the pipeline of future talent, coaching quality, and grassroots participation. Meanwhile, the ongoing (delayed) 2024 WAFCON in Morocco is a powerful reminder of the continent’s rising influence and the growing stature of African women’s football on the global stage. 

Tournaments such as the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025³ illustrate the international platform these rising stars may one day reach. From Switzerland’s state-of-the-art facilities and partnerships (AXA, Lidl, adidas, Amazon, Booking.com, PlayStation, Visa, etc.) to hosting fan zones and youth-focused skills camps, the EURO underscores the possibilities for elevated women’s football infrastructure globally. It’s not just a tournament—it’s a blueprint for inclusion, investment, and professional pathways. 

Women’s football in the Middle East and Africa is at a pivotal moment. There is momentum—but to sustain it, continued investment, societal support, and international cooperation are essential.

If nurtured properly, women’s football in the Middle East and Africa could do far more than produce great athletes—it could challenge long-standing norms, inspire millions, and place the regions firmly on the global football map. 

Wider acceptance and support could have a transformative impact: 

• More career paths for women in sport, from playing to coaching and administration
• Changing societal attitudes toward gender roles and women’s visibility in public life
• Increased investment, sponsorship, and fan engagement
• Stronger national teams with global competitiveness
• Shared playing and viewing spaces that foster gender inclusivity
• Health, education, and leadership benefits for girls and young women

In short, women’s football is not just about the sport—it’s about shaping a more inclusive, equitable future across the region and beyond. 

Diligencia helps customers from around the world to find essential information on organisations registered in Africa and the wider Middle East, drawing on primary sources that are otherwise hard to find. Using our curated data, we enable our clients to effectively manage their compliance obligations, allowing them to continuously monitor their suppliers and counterparty risks in the MEA region.  

1. https://www.cafonline.com/caf-womens-africa-cup-of-nations/
2. https://inside.fifa.com/womens-football/strategy
3. https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/