FOOTBALL BELONGS TO EVERYONE

Women’s national team in Karlovac with a strong message: “Women (don’t) belong in football”

08.03.2026.

Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS

Ahead of the World Cup qualifying match between Croatia and Kosovo on 7 March in Karlovac, the Croatian Football Federation organized a special program to send a clear message - footall belongs to everyone.

Female presence on and off the pitch

From the very beginning of the event, the symbolism was clear. The match was officiated by a female referee, the stadium announcer was a woman, players walked onto the pitch accompanied by young girls, and ball retrievers were also girls.

With this initiative, the Croatian Football Federation wanted to emphasize that women are not only part of football, but an important and equal part of it.

Foto: Drago Sopta/HNS

A message that breaks stereotypes

At the end of the match, the players wore T-shirts with the message:

“Women (don’t) belong in football. Believe in yourself, not what others say.”

The message is simple but powerful – a place in football is determined not by prejudice, but by passion, hard work and talent.

“What would I tell my younger self?”

As part of the campaign, videos were also recorded in which national team players answer the question:

“What would I tell my younger self who dreams of playing football?”

Their messages of encouragement, perseverance and self-belief were shared on the federation’s digital channels to inspire a new generation of girls entering the world of football.

Karlovac therefore hosted not only a qualifying match that evening, but also a message that goes beyond the result – football belongs to everyone.

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