ZURICH, Switzerland – FIFA has confirmed that the Women’s World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams, mirroring the men’s competition, beginning with the 2031 edition.
This decision was made on Friday by the FIFA Council, which unanimously agreed to increase the tournament’s size, citing the tremendous progress women’s football has made globally.
In a statement released after the decision, FIFA highlighted the remarkable strides the women’s game has made in recent years, citing the growing interest and investment in women’s football across the globe.
The expansion aims to further elevate the profile of the tournament, provide more opportunities for countries to participate, and ultimately boost the development of the women’s game worldwide.
The expansion will significantly alter the structure of the competition.
With 48 teams, the tournament will feature a 12-group format, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104.
As a result, the duration of the tournament will be extended by one week, giving teams more time to showcase their talents on the global stage.
“This is a historic step for women’s football,” said a FIFA spokesperson. “By expanding the Women’s World Cup, we are not just offering more countries the chance to compete; we are investing in the future of the sport and providing greater visibility and opportunities for players at all levels.”
While the 2031 Women’s World Cup will undergo this major expansion, the 2027 edition in Brazil will remain at the current 32-team format.
FIFA’s decision is a direct response to the ongoing rise in popularity of women’s football, evidenced by the record-breaking audiences and sponsorships seen in recent tournaments.
The hosts for the 2031 and 2035 tournaments are yet to be ratified, but with the expansion, the future of women’s football looks set to reach new heights.
FIFA’s commitment to supporting the women’s game is evident in this bold move, which aligns with the organization’s long-term strategy to develop and promote football for women worldwide.
As the sport continues to grow and evolve, the increased scale of the Women’s World Cup will undoubtedly bring new challenges, but also vast opportunities for both established and emerging footballing nations.
Fans can look forward to an even more thrilling and competitive tournament in 2031, as the world’s best teams battle for supremacy on the global stage.
With the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil still on the horizon, this expansion marks a significant turning point, signaling FIFA’s determination to enhance the visibility, quality, and reach of women’s football for years to come.
