Women’s football in the wake of the Men’s World Cup: Why equality remains a long-term goal

Recent analyses of the Swiss league and research by Hartmann show why women’s football is far more than just a sporting issue. An increasing number of clubs are investing in their women’s teams, and the league is becoming more professional. With the upcoming men’s World Cup in America in mind, it is clear that women’s football is structurally far less developed. Shortly before Switzerland's women's strike day on 14 June 2026, the debate on equal opportunities takes on added relevance.

Progress on the pitch – shortcomings behind the Scenes

In the report ‘State of the Swiss League: Diversity in the top leagues of Swiss football 2025/2026', initiated by Fussball Kann Mehr Schweiz, that progress on the pitch is not reflected behind the scenes. Women’s football has made significant progress in recent years. However, financial resources, media visibility and professional conditions remain significantly behind those of men’s football.

This development comes as no surprise to St. Gallen-based diversity researcher Dr Ines Hartmann. She has been working on equality, diversity, and career opportunities in organisations for years. “Sport is a mirror of society,” says Hartmann. ‘When women have less access to resources, networks or decision-making positions, the same effects are seen in sport as in the economy.’

What football has in common with the world of work

Hartmann conducts research on diversity and equal opportunities at the University of St. Gallen. As part of the Advance & HSG Gender Intelligence Report, she and her team regularly analyse the career trajectories of hundreds of thousands of employees in Switzerland. The results are clear: women are promoted less frequently, reach leadership positions less often, and benefit less from career development opportunities than men. The causes often lie not in individual decisions, but in organisational structures and unconscious mechanisms. Hartmann also recognises similar patterns in elite sport. 'It is not enough to support individual female athletes,' she says. 'It is crucial that women are also represented on coaching panels, in associations, and in strategic leadership roles within football clubs. That is where the course for the future is set.”

Visibility creates new opportunities

Women's football tournaments such as EURO 2025 in Switzerland offer the chance to showcase new role models. They also challenge existing role models. 
Although successful female players are more visible today than they were just a few years ago, women remain underrepresented in many decision-making positions in sport. This is particularly true in areas where decisions are made regarding investment, youth development or the strategic direction of organisations.

For Hartmann, this is a key lever for sustainable change. “When young girls see successful players, coaches or association presidents, it changes their perception of what is possible,” she says. "In my research, I see that social diversity creates new perspectives — and ultimately better decisions."

Equality is an ongoing task

The development of women’s football shows that change is possible, but sometimes takes too long. What was once considered a niche sport is becoming a socially relevant issue. However, a look at the Swiss league shows that equality cannot be measured solely by spectator numbers or sponsorship revenue. With the Men’s World Cup in America and Swiss Women’s Strike Day, two events that raise the same question are currently coinciding: Who has access to opportunities, resources and influence?
Women’s football provides a clear answer to this question. The progress made in recent years is evident. However, the path to genuine equality of opportunity is far from complete.

The study 'State of the Swiss League 2026' is available to download for free. Produced in collaboration with the Competence Centre for Diversity, Disability and Inclusion (CCDI-HSG) and the Centre for Business Administration (ZBW), it was commissioned by the non-profit network organisation FUSSBALL KANN MEHR SCHWEIZ (FKM Switzerland). Co-author Dr. Ines Hartmann teaches and conducts research at the University of St. Gallen.