Women's visibility grows at World Cup but gender gap persists in sports journalism

The global coverage of the World Cup is seeing a record number of female journalists on television, yet a significant gender gap persists in sports journalism. This disparity is particularly evident in the limited representation of women in debate programs and technical analysis roles, areas historically dominated by men.

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The environment in a press box at a men's World Cup is highly competitive, dynamic, and demanding.

Even before major sporting events, press boxes often remain male-dominated, with women forming a minority attempting to carve out space. Mónica Delgado, covering her first World Cup after years in Los Angeles, described the environment as "highly competitive, dynamic, and demanding." While she acknowledges positive evolution, Delgado emphasizes the need for spaces that value "real talent and capacity, achieving that gender ceases to be a determining factor when evaluating our performance."

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The real challenge lies in opening spaces where real talent and capacity are valued, achieving that gender ceases to be a determining factor when evaluating our performance.

On the field, photographers like Florencia, working for an international agency, also find themselves in a predominantly male environment. She noted the intense pressure and the need for constant positioning and attentiveness. "Being a woman, I am still a minority in that space," she told EFE, adding that while she feels respected professionally, "it would be false to say that differences do not exist: from time to time you still come across someone who underestimates you at first."

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It is a very dynamic and intense environment, with a lot of pressure due to the pace of the match and the need to always be well-positioned and attentive. Being a woman, I am still a minority in that space.

Research indicates that women in sports coverage often fill roles like studio presenters or field reporters, rather than analysts. Dunja Antunovic, an associate professor of sports sociology at the University of Minnesota, explained that while women are increasingly taking on these roles, they are often peripheral, especially in covering men's sports. However, a shift is occurring, with women gradually conquering new territories, mirroring milestones like the first all-female refereeing team in a men's football tournament. The rise of stars like Aitana Bonmatí and Jenni Hermoso, transitioning from players to analysts, is also changing the television landscape, fostering a growing number of professional women aiming to move beyond past labels.

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It would be false to say that differences do not exist: from time to time you still come across someone who underestimates you at first.