World football’s governing body, FIFA, has officially approved the expansion of the Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, beginning with the 2031 edition.
This landmark decision, announced after a virtual council meeting, is expected to elevate the sport’s global reach and foster increased competition among nations.
The revamped format will introduce 12 groups, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104—mirroring the structure of the expanded men’s World Cup set for 2026. The tournament length will also be extended by an extra week, allowing teams more recovery and preparation time.
Brazil is set to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup with 32 teams, continuing the format used in the 2023 edition. Meanwhile, the United States is expected to secure hosting rights for the 2031 tournament, marking its third time as the event’s venue. The UK has emerged as the sole bidder for the 2035 edition.
Despite concerns about potential one-sided matches with the increase in participants, FIFA President Gianni Infantino remains optimistic. He highlighted that the 2023 Women’s World Cup demonstrated growing competitiveness, with teams from all confederations securing victories and five continents reaching the knockout stage.
“This is not just about adding more teams but about advancing the women’s game globally,” Infantino stated. “By expanding the tournament, we aim to help more FIFA member associations develop their women’s football structures holistically.”
The decision signifies a pivotal moment in women’s football history, ensuring greater representation and driving the continued growth of the sport worldwide.
