The international World Sevens Football competition is set to arrive in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this December. The event, scheduled for the 5th through the 7th, will take place at Nova Southeastern University’s Bancard Field, which also serves as the home stadium for Fort Lauderdale United FC.
Following its successful debut in Portugal earlier this year, the tournament is bringing its fast-paced, seven-a-side format to the United States. The competition is distinguished by its significant financial backing, featuring a total prize pool of $5 million—one of the largest in women’s sports globally. The inaugural event was claimed by Bayern Munich, who secured a $2.5 million victory.
While the final list of teams for the Fort Lauderdale tournament is still being finalized, sources indicate that the eight participating clubs are expected to be drawn from across the Americas. This has opened discussions with professional teams from the United States, Brazil, and Mexico, including potential involvement from clubs within the National Women’s Soccer League.
The World Sevens format is designed for speed and entertainment. Played on a half-sized pitch with 15-minute halves, the games feature rolling substitutions and continuous background music. A key aspect of the competition is its focus on featuring active, elite players from top professional clubs, rather than retired athletes or celebrities. The event’s structure and player experience have been shaped with input from a council of former international stars.
The December tournament will run over a weekend, with group stages beginning on Friday and culminating in a final on Sunday. This scheduling places the event two weeks after the conclusion of the NWSL championship.
