What an excellent two weeks of Walking Football we have enjoyed at Torrevieja Sports City, as the World Nations Cup came to a dramatic conclusion with a thrilling sudden-death penalty shootout victory by France over England in the Women’s Over 50s category on Friday afternoon.
The final provided the perfect climax to a tournament that has captured the imagination of players, fans, and organisers alike — two weeks filled with passion, friendship, and fiercely competitive football played in the very best spirit of the game.
Although the result came somewhat against the run of play, “Les Bleues” showed tremendous resilience, tactical discipline, and belief, to frustrate the competition favourites. France’s victory denied England the opportunity to complete a clean sweep of titles across all six categories, bringing to an end what had been an extraordinary run of success for the English squads.
England had previously dominated the tournament, winning all five of the earlier finals — three during the first week, followed by a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Northern Ireland in the Men’s Over 60s final and a commanding 4–1 win against Australia in the Women’s Over 60s grand final on Friday afternoon.
Their performances were a masterclass in organisation and determination, earning widespread respect from both fans and opponents alike.
Nonetheless, the French triumph added a fitting sense of balance and drama to the event. It served as a reminder that Walking Football, despite its slower pace, is full of surprises and emotional moments that rival any form of the sport.
The jubilant celebrations from the French players and supporters at full-time encapsulated the international and inclusive spirit of the World Nations Cup — a true festival of competition, respect, and togetherness.
The atmosphere in Torrevieja throughout the fortnight was nothing short of electric. Fans turned out in great numbers, particularly during the second week, filling the stands with noise, colour, and encouragement.
The enthusiasm of the crowds created a warm and welcoming environment, where teams from around the world could share not just their footballing talent, but their culture, humour, and friendship.
The event far exceeded the expectations of its organisers, providing a showcase of what makes Walking Football such a fast-growing global sport.
“The sport is demonstrating massive global growth, as we saw parity throughout, with many teams staring down the favoured English sides,” said FIWFA President Paul Carr.
His words echoed the sentiment of many across the sport — that Walking Football is rapidly evolving, attracting new nations, and narrowing competitive gaps between established and emerging teams.
Beyond the results, the 2025 World Nations Cup in Torrevieja will be remembered for its camaraderie, sportsmanship, and the sense of community that united everyone involved.
It highlighted not only the athleticism and skill of the players but also the shared values of respect, inclusion, and lifelong participation that define the game.
As the sun set over the final day, it was clear that Walking Football had taken another major stride forward on the world stage — and Torrevieja had played the perfect host to its most inspiring chapter yet.
