A joint report by FIFA and FIFPRO sheds light on the alarming extent of online abuse targeting women's soccer teams during the recent Women's World Cup. The US women's soccer team, in particular, faced over double the amount of abusive messages on social media compared to any other nation. The study, conducted as part of FIFA and FIFPRO's initiative to protect players from online abuse, reveals concerning trends and calls for urgent action.

Key findings indicate that factors such as the team's status as the two-time reigning champion and perceived actions, like players not singing the national anthem, fueled abusive posts. Messages labelling players as "unpatriotic or Anti-American" intensified during critical moments, especially when the US team exited the tournament in the round-of-16.

The abuse peaked during a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Sweden, with supportive posts from politicians, including US President Joe Biden, triggering additional attacks. Notably, messages from North and Central America accounted for 67% of all abuse during the competition.

FIFA and FIFPRO utilized their social media protection service (SMPS), relying on artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze 5.1 million posts in 35 languages. This tool aimed to shield 697 players and coaches from encountering harmful messages. Shockingly, one in five players at the tournament faced discriminatory messaging, with nearly half of the abusive posts being categorized as "homophobic, sexual, and sexist abuse."

While the report did not disclose the names of the two most targeted players, it emphasizes the urgent need for addressing online abuse. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stresses that social media should not harbor those who abuse or threaten others, and FIFPRO President David Aganzo highlights the responsibility of football to protect players in their online workspace.

The disturbing findings extend beyond the Women's World Cup, revealing that players in the upcoming World Cup in New Zealand and Australia are projected to face a 29% higher likelihood of online abuse compared to their male counterparts in the men's World Cup in Qatar. The soccer community now faces a critical call to action to safeguard players' mental health and well-being in the face of toxic online environments.