Women’s Football World Cup Expands with 16 Teams

FIFA to Expand Women’s World Cup to 48 Teams Starting in 2031

FIFA, the world’s top football governing body, has announced a historic expansion for the Women’s World Cup. Beginning with the 2031 edition, the tournament will feature 48 teams instead of the current 32. This move marks a major milestone in the growth and development of women’s football worldwide. The announcement comes at a time when plans are also underway to expand the men’s World Cup to 64 teams in the near future.

Currently, the Women’s World Cup includes 32 teams, a format that will continue for the upcoming 2027 edition, which will be hosted by Brazil. The 2031 tournament, however, will adopt the new format, dividing the 48 teams into 12 groups. With this expansion, the number of matches played during the tournament will increase from 64 to 104. FIFA has confirmed that this will require the tournament to be extended by an additional week to accommodate the extra fixtures.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino shared his views on the change, emphasizing that the expansion is not just about adding more teams but about advancing the entire women’s game globally. “This is not just about adding 16 more teams to the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” Infantino said. “It’s about taking the next step in the development of women’s football as a whole. More member countries will now have the opportunity to participate in the World Cup. This will help them strengthen their football programs and bring positive changes to the sport in their regions.”

Infantino added that the decision would generate momentum and bring fresh energy to the women’s game, allowing more nations to dream of competing on the world stage. FIFA hopes that this expansion will encourage increased investment in women’s football infrastructure and create a more competitive environment globally.

The journey of the Women’s World Cup has been one of steady growth. The inaugural tournament took place in 1991, with only 12 nations participating. Eight years later, in 1999, the number of teams increased to 16. As the popularity and competitiveness of women’s football grew, the tournament expanded again in 2015 and 2019 to include 24 teams. The most recent edition, held in 2023, featured 32 teams and was widely regarded as a success, with record-breaking attendance and viewership.

Looking ahead, the 2031 Women’s World Cup is expected to be a landmark event. The tournament will not only include more teams but also feature a broader global representation, as many nations who have never before qualified will now get the chance to compete. FIFA has already begun making plans to ensure the necessary infrastructure and scheduling adjustments are in place to support the expanded format.

Beyond 2031, FIFA has outlined that the United States will host under the new 48-team structure in 2031, followed by the United Kingdom in 2035. Both countries are considered global hubs for football and are expected to play key roles in promoting the expanded format.

The decision has been met with widespread support from national football associations, players, and fans, all of whom see it as a major step forward for gender equality and the development of women’s sports. As women’s football continues to gain popularity across continents, this expansion is expected to be a catalyst for even greater growth.

In summary, FIFA’s decision to expand the Women’s World Cup to 48 teams starting in 2031 represents a bold and forward-thinking move. It reflects the rapid rise of women’s football and the global desire to see the sport thrive. With more teams, more matches, and more opportunities, the future of the Women’s World Cup looks brighter than ever.