The FIFA Women’s World Cup will be expanded from 32 to 48 teams, like the men’s competition, starting with the 2031 edition, the global football body announced on Friday.
The 48-team World Cup will adopt a 12-group format, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104 – the same as the expanded men’s World Cup in 2026 – and extending the tournament by one week.
Meanwhile, the next iteration, the 2027 Women’s World Cup to be held in Brazil will continue to have 2027 teams like the previous edition in 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, which was the first to host 32 sides, up from 24 in 2019.
“This is not just about having 16 more teams playing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup but taking the next steps in relation to the women’s game in general,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement.
“…more FIFA member associations have the chance to benefit from the tournament to develop their women’s football structures from a holistic point of view.”
Infantino highlighted that the success of the 2023 edition won by Spain prompted the move and brushed aside concerns of more one-sided contests.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the first in which teams from all confederations won at least one game and teams from five confederations reached the knockout stage, among many other records, set a new standard for global competitiveness,” he added.
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“This decision ensures we are maintaining the momentum in terms of growing women’s football globally.”
The United States is poised to be named host of the 2031 women’s World Cup as the only bid, marking the third time the country will stage the tournament after previously hosting it in 1999 and 2003.
The United Kingdom is the sole bidder for the 2035 tournament. Hosts for the 2031 and 2035 editions are yet to be ratified.
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