On May 21, the World Sevens Tournament kicks off with the group stage matches. Manchester City and FC Rosengård will play in the opening match at 17:00 UK time in Estoril, Portugal. The W7F aims to elevate women’s football and provide the players with a new platform to showcase their talent. The group stage matches will be held on May 21 and 22, followed by the semi-finals, third-place match and final on May 23. Here’s everything you need to know on the World Sevens Tournament.
W7F Groups
Group 1: Manchester City, FC Rosengård, Ajax, Bayern Munich.
Group 2: AS Roma, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica.
Travelling teams World Sevens Tournament
The head coaches are allowed to register up to 14 eligible players from the traveling squad for each match. As it is an additional tournament, players get to decide if they want to join their team. What kind of players will perform best? The ones that do well in high-intensity games, where fast-paced, technical, and dynamic play is required.
Manchester City announced the 15 players that will travel to Portugal.
Ajax is taking their entire team.
Marc Skinner (Man Utd) opted to take 20 players with him. Find out who here.
“Everyone will go, including the injured players. That is also because the organization makes it possible to take everyone. Fourteen players will be on the form for each match: two goalkeepers and twelve players. We will probably vary that a bit per match,” said Dolf Roks, technical manager Ajax.
Bayern Munich is also bringing their entire squad except Franziska Kett and Alara Şehitler. Maria Plattner and Elira Terakaj from the second team will fill their places.
All the matches are streamed live on DAZN.
How does the World Sevens Tournament work?
A match runs for 30 minutes with two 15-minute halves and a 5-minute half-time break.
Played on a half-size pitch.
No offsides.
Throw ins remains as normal.
Unlimited rolling substitutes.
If the match finishes level at the end of the 30 minutes, an additional five minutes is added to determine a winner. In the extra time, the teams are reduced to five players. As soon as one of the sides scores, the game is over (golden goal format). If still tied, a sudden death penalty shootout follows.
Where will the World Sevens Tournament take place?
The event is held in Estoril, Portugal. Future events are planned in the USA, Mexico, Asia, Europe and beyond.
Why is the World Sevens Tournament held?
Words from Aly Wagner, Bay FC co-founder: We are seeing unprecedented investment into women’s football – clubs, players, facilities, and technology – all as a result of the long overdue realization that there is a proven product that has been waiting for the flow of capital to accelerate market expansion.
“World Sevens Football is creating a series around a 7v7 format that brings fans closer to the game and the players they love. Simply put, fans will have a front-row seat to watch the world’s best players, and this time with more touches and more freedom to create and take risks. It is truly a dream format for fans and players alike.”
World Sevens Tournament
Wednesday, May 21
17:00 BST
18:00 BST
19:00 BST
20:00 BST
Thursday, May 22
13:30 BST
14:30 BST
15:30 BST
16:30 BST
18:30 BST
19:30 BST
20:30 BST
21:30 BST
Friday, May 23
15:00 BST
16:30 BST
18:30 BST
20:00 BST
21:00-21:30