GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

Why the Women's World Cup Flies Under the Geopolitical Radar

Tolga Ozyurtcu

Board of Contributors

Jul 10, 2019 | 06:30 GMT

Netherlands goalkeeper Lize Kop works out before her team's appearance in the Women's World Cup championship game

Goalkeeper Lize Kop of Netherlands women during a training session prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 final between United States of America and Netherlands at Stade du Metropole on July 5, 2019, in Oullins, France.

(VI Images via Getty Images)

Highlights

Geopolitical influences that attempt to shape other international sporting events like the Olympics are not actively competing over the Women's World Cup.
Issues such as the question of equal compensation for women were elevated during the tournament, but they have not risen above generally domestic political concerns.
As the Women's World Cup grows in stature, it's possible that countries trying to seek geopolitical advantage will devote more attention to it.

On July 7, the U.S. national team defeated the Dutch team to claim its fourth Women's World Cup title. The event, which drew thousands of spectators, players and members of the news media to host country France, produced some spectacular play and exciting results -- along with a hefty dose of controversy surrounding the introduction of video-assisted replay (perhaps better known as VAR). Despite its wide reach and international diversity, one of the most notable aspects of the Women's World Cup, in general, seems to be its disconnection from underlying geopolitical forces. Unlike its counterpart men's tournament and the Olympics, little in the way of international politics seems to steal the spotlight from the biggest stage for women's soccer....

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