Germany has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2029 Women’s European Championship, marking a significant victory for the Deutscher Fußball-Bund (DFB) and a renewed focus on the continent’s burgeoning women’s football scene. The decision, announced by UEFA’s Executive Committee in Nyon on Wednesday, saw the DFB’s bid, themed “WE’29 – Together We Rise” prevail over proposals from Poland and a joint application from Denmark and Sweden. Prior withdrawals by Portugal and Italy had already narrowed the field.
The awarding of the tournament to Germany represents a considerable endorsement of the DFB’s vision for the future of women’s football, coming two decades after the nation successfully hosted the event in 2001. Heike Ullrich, DFB Vice-President for Women’s and Girls’ Football, emphasized the ambition to create an event that extends beyond logistical management, aiming for a lasting positive impact on the development of women’s football across Europe.
However, the selection also raises questions regarding UEFA’s wider strategy for distributing major tournaments. The withdrawals of Portugal and Italy, coupled with the final selection of Germany, a nation with substantial existing infrastructure and financial resources, have prompted scrutiny regarding accessibility for smaller European nations. While the DFB projects an attendance surpassing one million and potential profitability for UEFA – a milestone for a Women’s Euros – critics argue this could reinforce existing economic disparities and limit opportunities for lesser-developed footballing nations to showcase their capabilities.
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf expressed gratitude for the awarded trust, highlighting the anticipated celebratory atmosphere surrounding the 2029 event. Nevertheless, the focus now shifts to ensuring that the tournament’s economic and promotional benefits are equitably distributed, fostering a truly pan-European celebration of women’s football rather than simply amplifying existing power structures within the sport. The success of “WE’29” will ultimately be judged not just by the spectacle itself, but by its long-term legacy in advancing the growth and inclusivity of women’s football across the continent.