US Women's Soccer Team Faces Unprecedented Online Abuse at Women's World Cup

The US women's soccer team received over twice as many abusive messages on social media than any other nation at this year's Women's World Cup, as reported by FIFA and FIFPRO. The study, conducted by the world soccer governing body and the global players union, cited the team's two-time reigning champion status and the perception of players not singing the US national anthem as reasons for the increased abuse, with abusive posts branding the players as "unpatriotic or Anti-American."

Abuse during the tournament reached a high point when the US was eliminated by Sweden in a intense penalty shootout during the round-of-16. Data revealed that posts from politicians, particularly supportive messages like the one from US President Joe Biden, led to an increase in abusive messages. The majority (67%) of the abusive messages during the competition originated from North and Central America.

Former president of the Spanish football federation Luis Rubiales was in October banned from "all football-related activities" for three years by FIFA.

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Luis Rubiales accused by FA Chair of inappropriately touching England players at World Cup final

The report stems from FIFA and FIFPRO's initiative to safeguard players from online abuse. They utilized the Social Media Protection Service (SMPS) tool, which has been implemented in eight international tournaments in the last year. According to FIFA, the service, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), assessed 5.1 million posts in 35 languages to shield 697 players and coaches from harmful messages.

The report revealed that 20% of players at the tournament were subjected to discriminatory messages, with nearly half of the abusive posts on social media platforms being homophobic, sexual, or sexist in nature. The specific individuals targeted were not named by FIFA, but two players, one from the US and one from Argentina, experienced the highest level of harassment.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that there is no room for abuse or threats on social media, whether it be in FIFA tournaments or any other context. Additionally, players at the World Cup in New Zealand and Australia were 29% more likely to experience online abuse compared to their male counterparts at the men's World Cup in Qatar.

The Spain vs. England final also resulted in a rise of sexual and misogynistic abuse, largely sparked by Luis Rubiales' unwelcome kiss on World Cup-winning star Jennifer Hermoso.

FIFPRO President David Aganzo emphasized the impact of online abuse on football players worldwide, stating that it cannot be overlooked. He highlighted the toxic online environment as a significant threat to players' mental health and overall well-being.