FIFA announces women's World Cup will expand to 48 teams in 2031
- FIFA has announced the expansion of the Women's World Cup to 48 teams for the 2031 tournament.
- This move seeks to promote greater representation and investment in women's football worldwide.
- Increasing the tournament's size is expected to enhance global competitiveness and support the development of football structures.
In Geneva, FIFA announced its decision to expand the Women's World Cup from 32 teams to 48 for the 2031 tournament. The United States is projected to host this edition, continuing the trend of increasing global participation in women's football. Previously, the Women's World Cup had 16 teams in 2011, expanded to 24 in 2015, and then to 32 teams in 2023. This expansion mirrors the men's World Cup, which will also feature 48 teams in 2026. FIFA aims to enhance representation and give more nations the opportunity to compete at the elite level, promoting the growth of women's football. FIFA's commitment to expanding the tournament follows President Gianni Infantino's statement regarding women’s football development. He emphasized that this enhancement would benefit FIFA member associations and foster development in women's football infrastructure across various nations. FIFA's decision to increase the tournament size is anticipated to lead to increased investment and improve global competitiveness, highlighted by the recent success of teams from all confederations winning matches in the 2023 World Cup. In preparation for the expanded format, the tournament will incorporate 12 groups and a total of 104 matches, extending the competition period by one week. This initiative seeks not just to enlarge the tournament, but to ensure broader opportunities for player development and improved labor conditions for athletes. It aligns with FIFA's ongoing efforts to enhance women's soccer and boost representation on a global scale. Additionally, FIFA is working on initiatives that support women in sports in regions with restrictive policies, such as the establishment of an Afghan women's refugee team. This move signifies FIFA’s dedication to empowering women globally and providing them the chance to play football, regardless of political circumstances. The announcement of the 2031 World Cup expansion underlines a pivotal shift in the global perception of women's sports, reinforcing FIFA’s position as a leading body committed to promoting equity in sports.