World Cup Challenge: Top Players Skip Tournament Over Pro Conditions

With four months to go before the World Cup, a growing chorus of players across the globe is signaling they will not participate unless professional conditions are guaranteed. The surge in women’s football in recent seasons has turned the demands of players into a conversation about health, fairness, and long-term careers. Among the standouts who will not be at the World Cup are Alexia Putellas, Wendie Renard, Aitana Bonmatí, Tiane Endler, and Marie-Antoinette Katoto. These stars were part of the Champions League dream team and all featured in the last UWCL final, underscoring the level of excellence that will be missing from the tournament this year.