Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi

Öz

The purpose of this study is to analyze the running distances of the teams participating in the 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023 FIFA Women's World Cups, as well as their estimated oxygen consumption capacities based on these distances. The total of 96 countries participating in the FIFA Women's World Championships in the years 2011 (16 countries), 2015 (24 countries), 2019 (24 countries), and 2023 (32 countries) is comprised. The VO2max estimation formula developed by Marangoz was used to determine the estimated VO2max of the teams. Across the 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023 FIFA Women's World Championships, it is observed that only a few of the top-ranked teams possess the highest running distances. While the cumulative running distances of teams play a role in determining their success and potentially influencing match outcomes, it is acknowledged that they are not the sole determinant of success. Success in this context is contingent not only on the performance during match runs but also on the unique technical, tactical, and systemic approaches employed in each game. Other skills, such as technical-tactical abilities, are also believed to significantly contribute to achieving success. Consequently, it is evident that the total distance covered and consequently, the high levels of maximal oxygen consumption, do not singularly constitute a sufficient criterion for winning matches and do not directly dictate match outcomes.