Anna 
A new global seven-a-side women’s football series, World Sevens Football, has been announced, with the first tournament set to take place in Portugal from May 21-23. Backed by a $100 million investment over five years, the competition aims to revolutionize women’s football with high-intensity, small-sided matches and significant prize money.
Each invitational “grand slam” event will offer $5 million in prize money, with the winning team taking home $2.5 million. The inaugural tournament will feature eight teams, though participants have not yet been confirmed. A different group of clubs will compete in the second event, scheduled for November-December on another continent.
Backed by Key Figures in Women’s Football
World Sevens Football is funded by Jennifer Mackesy, a U.S.-based philanthropist and co-owner of NWSL club Gotham FC. The series will be broadcast live on Dazn.
A player advisory council has been established to ensure athletes remain at the center of the project. Led by former USWNT winger Tobin Heath, the council includes former Sweden captain Caroline Seger, ex-England and Team GB defender Anita Asante, former U.S. right-back Kelley O’Hara, and ex-France defender Laura Georges.
Aly Wagner, former U.S. international and co-founder of Bay FC, serves as the chief of strategy. Speaking to The Guardian, Wagner emphasized the series’ unique appeal:
“This is a pivotal moment for women’s football. The seven-v-seven format is something players love, and fans will too. It’s fast-paced, full of duels, shots, and goals. This series will elevate women’s football to new heights.”
Exciting Format and Global Expansion
The first tournament will be held in Estoril, Portugal, at Estádio António Coimbra da Mota. A special stadium-within-a-stadium will be built around a half-sized pitch to accommodate the seven-a-side matches.
Since the event coincides with the Women’s Champions League final in nearby Lisbon, teams involved in that competition will not participate in the inaugural tournament.
Future events will be hosted in cities across the United States, Mexico, Asia, and Europe. The organizers have engaged in discussions with FIFA and UEFA but do not require official approval, as seven-a-side football is not a codified format of the game.
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