Women amputees from 10 countries train in Bolivia for 2027 World Cup

Nearly three dozen women from 10 South American countries completed a five-day training camp in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, on Friday that ended with friendly matches. The participants practiced sprints, corner kicks and dribbling while using crutches. Goalies made saves with one arm. All prosthetic limbs were removed before play under tournament rules.

Camp details Elite athletes from the U.S.

Women’s National Amputee Soccer Team and other countries coached sessions on balance, ball control and tactics. The World Amputee Football Federation organized the camp with local authorities and nonprofits. Most players lost limbs to infections or injuries. They cannot use crutches to touch the ball during matches.

Background and next steps Men have competed in international amputee soccer since the 1980s. The women’s first World Cup was held in Colombia in 2024. The 2027 tournament is scheduled for Poland, with date and city still to be announced. Lidia Mayser, president of the Santa Cruz regional sports council, said the training aims to help women with amputations pursue soccer.

Organizers are working to form a Bolivian national team. Filomena Luna, 50, a mother of six who lost a leg at age 11, said the sessions improved her skills and sense of community.