Rich countries do better in women’s football but understanding why matters, not just for the Matildas

<p>‘Gender norms explain some of it, but not all of it’ says Tiya Banerjee, an economist at the e61 Institute</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/jun/10/australia-news-live-penny-wong-sanctions-west-bank-settlers-australian-politics-high-court-israel-palestine…

By Patrick Commins Economics editor June 9, 2026 1 min read

‘Gender norms explain some of it, but not all of it’ says Tiya Banerjee, an economist at the e61 Institute Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast In about a week’s time, the Socceroos will step up against Turkey, their first opponents in this year’s World Cup. Winning their first match will be a big ask; progressing beyond the first round will be a bigger one. Continue reading...

Why this matters

The correlation between a country's wealth and its women's football team performance highlights the role of resource allocation in sports. Economist Tiya Banerjee suggests that while gender norms play a part, they do not fully explain the disparity. This implies that factors such as investment in sports infrastructure, training programs, and player compensation also contribute to a team's success. The Matildas' performance, as Australia's women's national football team, is likely influenced by the country's economic capacity to support its athletes. Understanding the interplay between economic resources and athletic achievement can inform strategies to promote greater equity in women's sports. As the US reproductive rights and gender equity landscape continues to evolve, examining the ways in which economic factors intersect with social and cultural norms can provide valuable insights into addressing disparities in women's sports and beyond.

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