The question that is asked more and more as women's football grows in popularity: who fills the stadiums and watches broadcasts? Women supporting their gender? Or men who are accustomed to following football but now discover new names? The answer, as usual, is more complex than it seems. And the closer we get to 2026, the more obvious it is that gender boundaries on the stands are blurring. The Myth of the 'Women's' Fan For a long time, it was believed that women, especially teenage girls, were the main audience for women's football. There was logic in this: a role model, a fight for equality, a desire to support 'their own'. But research on the audience in recent years (including surveys at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups) paints a different picture. On average, the male share among women's football spectators ranges from 45% to 55%, and even reaches 60% at top tournaments. That is, men are not less, and sometimes even more enthusiastic. The difference lies in how they support and which matches they choose. Male Audience: Fans of the Game, Not Gender Men who come to women's football rarely discuss 'cuteness' or 'femininity'. They talk about tactics, speed, shots. For them, it's just good football. Research shows that men are more likely to watch playoffs and finals of major tournaments than group matches. They are attracted by the heat of the moment, penalty shootouts, drama. Especially popular is women's football among fathers with daughters who play football. They switch from 'men's' football because they see the same dedication in girls. Men in the millennial age group (30-45 years old) are the most active group: they grew up in an era when women's football was already on TV, and they do not feel uncomfortable with the thought that a woman is kicking the ball. Female Audience: Identity and Empathy Women undoubtedly make up the backbone of support. But their motivation is different. They value representation: seeing strong, successful athletes on screen wh ... Read more