Curacao's trailblazer doctor on football's big stage (opens original article in a new tab)

Dr Suzanne Huurman is the only female head of medical staff at the 2026 World Cup for Curacao's men's team, highlighting challenges for women in football and noting new FIFA regulations aimed at increasing female representation.

• Dr Suzanne Huurman is the only female head of medical staff at the 2026 World Cup for Curacao's men's team
• Fifa introduced new rules requiring at least one female medical staff member and one female coach for women's tournaments
• Dr Huurman highlighted challenges for women in football including the 'always-on' lifestyle and lack of flexible working options
• An all-female medical team worked the Curacao vs Germany World Cup match for the first time in men's World Cup history
• Curacao made history with their first-ever World Cup goal but lost 7-1 to Germany