Women’s Soccer Field Size vs Men’s: Are They Different?

No. The Laws of the Game do not set one field size for women’s soccer and another for men’s soccer. If you are comparing women’s soccer field size vs men’s, the rules use the same permitted ranges for both. A soccer field, often called a pitch, follows the same dimensions in either match. FIFA recommends 105 m × 68 m for stadium fields.

Is a women’s soccer field smaller than a men’s field?

No. IFAB Law 1 gives field dimensions for football matches without separate men’s and women’s measurements. The same rule applies to both.

That does not mean every men’s and women’s match is played on an identical field. The permitted ranges allow fields to differ by venue or competition. A women’s match can use one permitted size while a men’s match at another venue uses a different permitted size. The difference comes from the field selected for that match, not from the players’ gender.

What are the permitted soccer field dimensions?

The touchline is the longer side of the rectangle; the goal line is the shorter side. IFAB Law 1 gives these ranges for either men’s or women’s matches:

• For matches generally, the touchline is 90–120 m (100–130 yd) and the goal line is 45–90 m (50–100 yd), according to IFAB Law 1.
• For international matches, the touchline is 100–110 m (110–120 yd) and the goal line is 64–75 m (70–80 yd), under the same IFAB dimensions rule.

For stadium planning, FIFA recommends a field of play measuring 105 m × 68 m. This recommendation sits within IFAB’s international-match ranges; it is a common planning size, while the competition rules determine the size used for a particular event.

Why can two soccer fields have different dimensions?

IFAB allows a range of field lengths and widths, rather than requiring one measurement for every match. A league or tournament can set a specific size within the applicable range, and existing venues may have different playing areas. None of those variations create a separate women’s or men’s field-size rule.

How do you measure a soccer field?

Measure the touchline from corner to corner along the long side of the rectangle. Measure the goal line from corner to corner along the short side. IFAB states that measurements are taken from the outside of the boundary lines because the lines form part of the area they enclose. All boundary lines must be the same width and cannot exceed 12 cm (5 in), under IFAB Law 1. Compare the two measurements with the range for the match type; for an international match, for example, the touchline must be 100–110 m and the goal line 64–75 m under the same rule.

When planning or checking a venue, confirm which competition rules apply before marking the field. Then measure both sides in the same units and check that the touchline is longer than the goal line. This avoids mixing the general range with the narrower international range.

FAQ

Is the women’s soccer pitch smaller?

No. IFAB’s field-size rules do not set a smaller pitch for women’s matches. A particular venue can use a different size within the permitted range, but that is not a gender-based requirement.

Are men’s and women’s soccer fields the same size?

They follow the same permitted dimensions. Individual fields can differ because IFAB allows ranges and competitions may select a size within them.

What is the size of an international soccer field?

Under IFAB Law 1, an international field is 100–110 m long and 64–75 m wide. FIFA recommends 105 m × 68 m for stadium planning.

Related soccer equipment

See LDK’s cage football field system.

Related categories: football cage systems and soccer goals.

For a field equipment inquiry, contact LDK or use the existing inquiry form.

References

• Law 1: The Field of Play — The International Football Association Board (IFAB).
• Pitch dimensions and surrounding areas — Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Stadium Guidelines.