The stage is set for one of the most innovative competitions in world football as the World Sevens Football (W7F) tournament kicks off this afternoon.
I am really looking forward to this competition. While the concept is not new, it is unusual that 11-a-side senior football teams embrace a different format of the game. We’ve already seen how popular the Ballers League has been, so if done well, then this could have a similar impact.
I’m not the only one, Manchester City’s Laura Wienroither told the club’s website, “I’m excited, I am really looking forward to this competition. While the concept is not new, it is unusual that 11-a-side senior football teams embrace a different format of the game. We’ve already seen how popular the Ballers League has been, so if done well, then this could have a similar impact.
“It’s probably a bit like going back to childhood football, just having fun and enjoying football as it is without too many rules. It’ll be nice to enjoy and just have a good game with the girls. I’m always open to trying something new, I’ve never really played seven-a-side before so I think it will be interesting, probably different to a normal game.
City’s Interim Manager, Nick Cushing believes that this team are well suited for sevens football. “We want to have the ball and play attacking football when we play in our regular season, so this format really suits us and the style of players we’ve got,” Cushing explained. Our methodology and philosophy sort of transmits into it and translates into this game really well.”
After the disappointment of failing to clinch the UEFA Women’s Champions League football, City will be desperate to finish the season on a high.
Backed by a prestigious Player Advisory Council that includes iconic former internationals such as Tobin Heath, Anita Asante, Kelley O’Hara, Laura Georges, and Caroline Seger, the tournament aims to “push the boundaries of what’s possible in women’s football.”
The big disappointment here is that the tournament was announced with only a few months’ notice, not allowing fans based outside of Portugal much time to make plans or save money to attend. I am one of those; had there been more notice, I would have 100% been there.
Sadly, I’ll need to settle for watching it from the comfort of home on DAZN.
Competing Teams and Groups
The tournament features clubs split into two groups:
Group 1:
• Manchester City
• FC Rosengård
• Ajax
• Bayern München
Group 2:
• AS Roma
• Manchester United
• Paris Saint-Germain
• Benfica
Tournament Format
- Match Duration: Each game consists of two 15-minute halves, totaling 30 minutes.
- Pitch Size: Matches are played on a pitch half the size of a standard football field.
- Substitutions: Unlimited rolling substitutions are allowed, with 14 players eligible per match from a squad of up to 25.
- Tiebreakers: If a match ends in a draw, it proceeds to a five-minute extra time with teams reduced to five players, followed by a golden goal or, if necessary, a sudden-death penalty shootout.
Team News
Katarzyna Kiedrzynek and Alyssa Fernandes are the named goalkeepers for PSG, so Lionesses fans will not get a chance to see Mary Earps in action. Georgia Stanway also misses out for Bayern München as she continues to recover from injury.
Both Manchester sides have named strong squads. The blues include Jess Park, Kerolin and Laura Coombs. Notable absentees include Bunny Shaw, Vivianne Miedema, Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood.
Fresh off their Adobe Women’s FA Cup final defeat, Marc Skinner includes a full squad, including fan favourites Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Ella Toone, Grace Clinton and Maya Le Tissier.
Full Match Schedule (All times local BST)
🏟️ Match Day 1 – May 21, 2025
• 5:00 PM – Manchester City vs. FC Rosengård
• 6:00 PM – AS Roma vs. Manchester United
• 7:00 PM – Ajax vs. Bayern München
• 8:00 PM – Paris Saint-Germain vs. Benfica
🏟️ Match Day 2 – May 22, 2025
• 1:30 PM – Manchester City vs. Ajax
• 2:30 PM – FC Rosengård vs. Bayern München
• 3:30 PM – AS Roma vs. Paris Saint-Germain
• 4:30 PM – Manchester United vs. Benfica
• 6:30 PM – Bayern München vs. Manchester City
• 7:30 PM – FC Rosengård vs. Ajax
• 8:30 PM – Benfica vs. AS Roma
• 9:30 PM – Manchester United vs. Paris Saint-Germain
🏟️ Match Day 3 – May 23, 2025
• 3:00 PM – Semifinal 1: Group 1 Winner vs. Group 2 Runner-up
• 4:30 PM – Semifinal 2: Group 1 Runner-up vs. Group 2 Winner
• 6:30 PM – 3rd Place Match
• 8:00 PM – Final
Tickets and Fan Experience
Tickets are available, offering options for every type of supporter—from grandstand unreserved seating to the vibrant W7F party deck and exclusive VIP experiences. For ticket purchases, updates, and more information, visit the official website: www.worldsevensfootball.com.
Hopefully, there will be more fans than empty seats, as I’d like this to become a regular thing and if anything grow in size with more clubs represented. We’ll be following the competition and sharing updates over the next three days on our social media. If you don’t already then be sure to give us a follow.