Argentine women’s blind football team claims continental glory

Argentina’s women’s blind football national team, better known as Las Murciélagas (female bats), defeated Brazil 1-0 in São Paulo to claim the title in the inaugural Copa América.

The trophy adds to the team’s illustrious record, which already includes back-to-back world championships.

Argentina reached the final with three wins and zero goals conceded. In the opening stage, the team secured 3-0 victories over Mexico and Canada before beating Brazil 1-0 in the final group game.

Facing the host nation again in the final, Argentina repeated the result, lifting the cup on Brazilian soil.

Gracia Sosa scored the match’s only goal in the first half, giving Argentina a lead it held until the final whistle. 

By winning the tournament, Argentina also secured a place at the 2027 World Cup, which will also be held in São Paulo.

Rapid rise

Head coach Gonzalo Abbas highlighted the team’s development since taking charge in 2021, a period during which the Murciélagas rapidly established themselves as a global powerhouse.

“Women’s football requires a long-term development process,” he told Rosario’s Radio 2, highlighting Argentina’s quick rise to prominence. “The work the girls do is truly impressive.”

The first World Cup was held in 2023 in Birmingham, England, where Argentina were crowned champions after beating Japan in the final. Two years later, Las Murciélagas claimed their second consecutive world title in Kakkanad, India, defeating England in the final.

Abbas said the key to winning the Copa América final was the determination to protect the lead, with the players making “the sacrifice to keep the ball up front when needed.”

The head coach also highlighted the team’s representation of several provinces, with players from Mendoza, Entre Ríos, Santa Fe, Córdoba and Buenos Aires.

“We hold monthly training camps and put in a tremendous amount of work, training and dedication,” he said. “It was truly a great match and a fantastic tournament for the squad.”