FIFA has announced a historic expansion of the Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 teams beginning with the 2031 edition, aiming to broaden global participation and elevate the women’s game worldwide.
The decision, approved by the FIFA Council during a virtual meeting on Friday, will mirror the men’s World Cup format set for 2026—featuring 12 groups and increasing the total number of matches to 104. The tournament will also be extended by one week.
While Brazil is set to host the 2027 edition with the current 32-team format, the 2031 expansion marks a significant leap toward inclusivity and competitive opportunities for emerging football nations.
FIFA says the move reflects its commitment to fostering the global growth of women’s football and building pathways for new talent across continents.
The 2023 edition in Australia and New Zealand was the first to have 32 teams, up from 24 in the 2019 tournament hosted by France.
“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,”he said.
The U.S. is poised to be named host of the 2031 Women’s World Cup as the only bid, making 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.
Although there are concerns that games could be one-sided with 48 teams, Infantino said the 2023 edition showed sides are closing the gap on the elite.
“The 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, mong many other records, set a new standard for global competitiveness.
