Are Men’s and Women’s Soccer Goals the Same Size? [Fact checked]

Evidence Based

Fact Checked

There’s been a lot of talk lately about whether or not the goal dimensions in soccer should be the same for both the men’s and women’s game.

So, what’s the deal? Are men’s and women’s soccer goals the same size? 

Let’s find out!

Are men’s and women’s soccer goals the same size?

The answer is yes. In 11-a-side games, official the goalpost dimensions in soccer are eight-foot-high and 24-foot-wide. This is the official soccer goal measurements from FIFA and are the same for both the men’s and women’s game.

In 7 or 9-a-side, the soccer goal post sizes official measurements are 7-foot-high and 16-foot-wide. Here too, the soccer goal dimensions are the same for both the men’s and women’s game.

And in 5-a-side soccer, the goals are 4-foot-high and 12-foot-wide. Again, these dimensions apply to both the men’s and women’s game.

So there you have it. The goal dimensions in soccer are the same for both the men’s and women’s game.

And these professional goal measurements are used whether you’re a recreational or professional player.

Some people argue that the dimensions of the goalposts should be different for women because of the physical differences between men and women.

Others argue that the dimensions should be the same because soccer is a sport that should be equal for all players, regardless of gender.

We think that there are both pros and cons to having the same size goals.

Are mens and women's soccer goals the same size quote

Women’s Goals vs Men’s Goals

Pros of a same-size goal:

– Equality: Having the same sized goals for both men and women’s soccer promotes equality between the sexes. This is especially important in a sport that has been historically dominated by men.

-Availability: If the dimensions of the goals are the same, then it is easier for clubs and leagues to have access to standard soccer goal post sizes that meet the requirements.

This can be a challenge if there are different sizes for men’s and women’s soccer meaning there would need to be separate women’s only fieldes!

Cons of a same-size goal:

Physical Differences: Some people argue that the physical differences between men and women mean that the women’s game should be played with smaller goals.

Skill Differences: Others argue that the skill level between men and women is not equal, so the goals should reflect that.

womens and mens goals

Is there a difference in goal size between men and women?

No, both men and women try and score goals, braces and hat-tricks in the same sized goals.

It turns out, there’s no deep hidden meaning behind this gender-neutrality either – it just comes down to practicality.

First and foremost, both men’s and women’s games are governed by FIFA, and FIFA prefers to have as few different rule sets as possible for international competition.

This way, teams know what they’re up against when they travel to another country to compete. Having different size soccer goal posts for each gender would only add an unnecessary level of complexity. 

Not to mention, men and women aren’t that different when it comes to height (at least not when compared to other differences between genders).

The average man is about 5’9″, while the average woman is about 5’4″. That difference in height might seem like a lot, but when you consider that a regulation soccer goal is only 8 feet tall from crossbar to goal line, it doesn’t make much of a difference.

In order to score, players need to be able to kick the ball high enough to make it over the goalkeeper and under the crossbar – something that both men and women are more than capable of doing. 

Are all soccer goals the same size?

No, all soccer goals are not the same size, so there’s never a straight answer to ‘How wide is a soccer goal?’!

In fact, they come in a variety of sizes, and you can also measure soccer net size by age, depending on the level of play.

For example, regulation goals used in professional and international matches are 24 feet wide and 8 feet tall.

However, goals used in smaller recreational leagues and youth soccer goals may only be 16 or 18 feet wide.

Similarly, junior-sized goals are typically 6 or 7 feet tall, while mini-goals can be as small as 4 feet tall.

So whether you’re playing at the highest level or practising some shooting drills with under 9s youth soccer, there’s a soccer goal that’s just the right size for you.

How wide is a soccer net?

In 11 vs 11 soccer, a soccer net is 8 feet tall and 24 feet wide.

What size soccer goal do I need for training?

While the size of a soccer goal may not seem important, it can actually have a big impact on training sessions.

For example, small goals are great for working on accuracy, while larger goals can help players practice their power.

When deciding what size goal to use for training, it’s important to consider the age and skill level of the players.

Youth players will likely need smaller goals, while adults or more experienced players can benefit from larger targets.

Ultimately, the best way to determine the ideal size is to experiment and see what works best for your team. With a little trial and error, you’ll be able to find the perfect soccer goal for your training needs.

Watch and learn: What size soccer goal is right for me?

Here’s a great video that shows you the right size soccer goal for you based on whether you’re training or playing!

Does women’s soccer use the same ball as men?

Again, the answer is yes – both men and women use the same size of ball in soccer. This is typically a size 5 soccer although it does depend on the age of the players.

Size 5 is the official size for all adults aged 15 and over, while size 4 is for ages 8-14, size 3 for ages 5-7, and size 2 for ages 3-4.

There are also smaller sizes available for younger children aged 2 and under. It’s important to use the right sized ball for your age group as it will help improve your skills and techniques.

The only exception to this rule is Futsal, which is a variation of soccer that’s played indoors with a smaller, heavier ball.

Do women play on the same soccer size fieldes as men?

Yes, they do. When it comes to soccer fieldes, both men and women are on an even playing field – literally!

The size of a soccer field varies depending on the type of game you’re playing:

  • If you’re playing 5v5 – the field size is 40yds x 30yds
  • If you’re playing 7v7 – the field size is 60yds x 40yds
  • If you’re playing 9v9 – the field size is 80yds x 50yds
  • If you’re playing 11v11 – the field size is 110yds x 70yds

Whatever gender you are (or aren’t!) and whatever size game you’re playing, the field will always be the same size. So everyone is on an equal footing – no gender bias here!

The final score.

So there you have it, the final score on whether mens and women’s soccer goals are the same size – they are!

As well as using the same sized ball and fieldes, men and women also share the same offside rules, goal celebrations and of course, love of the game.

Now all that’s left to do is get out there and enjoy some soccer!

This article was written by

  • Anna Adams, Creative Director & Content Lead

    Hi there! I'm Anna Adams, your go-to source for all things women's soccer. I've been crazy about soccer for over 20 years, ever since I was kicking a ball around with my brothers as a kid. I've turned my passion into a career where I get to share all the cool stuff about soccer with you. As a content lead, I've had the awesome opportunity to work with various sports brands and publications. Whether it's the latest gear, pro tips, or just some cool soccer trivia, I'm all about making soccer ac...