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Jackie Whittaker, Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia

Women's World Cup: The epidemic of ACL tears in female soccer players is about more than just biology

Canada forward Janine Beckie watches after attempting a shot during the first half of a SheBelieves Cup women's soccer match against the United States, Feb. 16, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Over 25 of the world’s top female soccer players are missing the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup because of ACL tears, including Canada’s Janine Beckie.

Female athletes are two to eight times more likely to tear their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) compared to males, and their odds of returning to sport within five years are 25 per cent lower. If we trust the research, we should brace ourselves for two to three ACL tears during the World Cup itself.

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