A historic precedent fuels ambition
The Football Association of Wales has thrown its weight behind a proposal to enlarge the Women's European Championship, arguing that a larger field would mirror the success of the 2016 men's tournament expansion that opened the door for Wales to reach its first major finals in six decades.
That expansion, which grew the men's Euro 2016 from 16 to 24 teams, allowed the Welsh side to qualify for a tournament for the first time since the 1958 World Cup and subsequently propelled them to the semi‑finals, a run that culminated in qualification for the next European Championship and a spot at the 2022 World Cup.
The ripple effect of a 24‑team format
The Welsh women's team made its maiden appearance at the recent finals, sharing a group with England, and while the experience was invaluable, the side now faces a tough path through two European play‑off ties and a possible inter‑confederation qualifier to secure a place at the 2027 World Cup.
Mooney, a key figure in the campaign, points to the backing of UEFA officials, including Nadine Kessler, chief of women's and girls' football, as evidence that the governing body is receptive to a broader tournament that could also benefit neighboring nations such as Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, all of which missed out on the current edition.
Support from UEFA leadership
Laura McAllister, a former Wales captain and current UEFA vice‑president, will carry Wales' voice into the UEFA council, using her experience to champion an expanded Women's Euro that could make qualification for Euro 2029 a more realistic target for the Welsh side.
A realistic pathway forward
Beyond the immediate competitive edge, an enlarged competition is seen as a catalyst for development across the region, offering more nations the chance to invest in women's football infrastructure and creating a pipeline that could see countries like the Republic of Ireland, had the tournament been 24‑team in 2025, progress to later stages.