FIFA has announced that the Women’s World Cup will undergo a historic expansion, increasing from 32 to 48 teams for the 2031 edition. The decision, made unanimously by the FIFA Council on Friday, reflects the remarkable progress made in women’s football globally.
The tournament’s format will also evolve, with the 48 teams divided into 12 groups. This expansion will see the total number of matches rise from 64 to 104, extending the competition by an additional week.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted that the expansion is a direct result of the success of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, where Spain claimed the title. Infantino emphasized that this move is not just about increasing the number of teams, but also about taking crucial steps to further develop the women’s game.
“This decision is about ensuring that more FIFA Member Associations can use this platform to strengthen their women’s football infrastructures,” Infantino said. “It is vital that we continue to maintain the momentum in growing women’s football worldwide, and this expansion is a pivotal part of that effort.”
The move underscores FIFA’s commitment to elevating the global profile of women’s football and providing more nations with the opportunity to participate in the sport’s premier competition.
