FIFA Expands Women’s World Cup to 48 Teams in 2031, Ushering in a New Era for Global Women’s Football
In a landmark decision set to reshape the landscape of women’s football, FIFA has announced its intention to expand the Women’s World Cup to 48 teams, effective from the 2031 edition. This ambitious move, revealed on May 9th, signals a significant commitment to broadening the reach and impact of the women’s game on a global scale. The expansion aims to foster greater inclusivity, provide more opportunities for emerging nations, and accelerate investment in women’s football infrastructure worldwide.
FIFA’s rationale behind the expansion is rooted in the belief that a larger tournament will unlock new potential for development and participation. By increasing the number of participating teams, FIFA hopes to provide a platform for a wider range of countries to compete at the highest level, inspiring future generations of female footballers and driving investment in grassroots programs.
Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, emphasized the broader implications of this decision, stating that it’s not merely about adding 16 more teams to the World Cup. Instead, it’s about taking concrete steps to advance women’s football globally, ensuring that more FIFA Member Associations have the opportunity to benefit from the tournament and develop their women’s football structures in a holistic manner.
The 2027 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in Brazil from June 24th to July 25th, will retain the current format of 32 teams. This tournament will serve as a crucial stepping stone as the world prepares for the expanded competition in 2031.
While the host nation for the 2031 Women’s World Cup is yet to be determined, the United States has emerged as the sole bidder for the tournament. The U.S. boasts a strong track record in hosting major sporting events and is currently preparing to co-host the 2026 Men’s World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. Hosting the 2031 Women’s World Cup would further solidify the United States’ position as a leading force in global football.
The expansion to 48 teams will necessitate a revised tournament format. FIFA has announced that the 2031 Women’s World Cup will feature 12 groups, resulting in a total of 104 matches, up from the current 64. This expanded format will also extend the duration of the tournament by one week, providing fans with even more opportunities to witness the excitement and passion of women’s football.
The decision to expand the Women’s World Cup was reached during a recent FIFA virtual meeting, following extensive consultation with soccer confederations and other stakeholders. This collaborative approach underscores FIFA’s commitment to ensuring that the expansion is implemented in a way that benefits the entire global football community.
FIFA’s decision is also buoyed by the remarkable progress witnessed in women’s football across the world in recent years. The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, held in Australia and New Zealand, served as a testament to this progress. The tournament was the first in which teams from all confederations won at least one game, and teams from five confederations reached the knockout stage. This unprecedented level of global competitiveness set a new standard for the women’s game and provided further impetus for FIFA to expand the tournament.
Infantino believes that the expansion will help maintain the momentum in terms of growing women’s football globally. The increased exposure and investment that comes with participating in a major tournament like the World Cup can have a transformative impact on the development of women’s football in emerging nations.
In a significant move to enhance the accessibility of the Women’s World Cup, FIFA has partnered with Netflix to broadcast the 2027 and 2031 editions of the tournament on the streaming service. This partnership will provide fans around the world with convenient and affordable access to live matches and highlights, further boosting the popularity of women’s football.
The United States has a rich history in the Women’s World Cup, having won the tournament a record four times (1991, 1999, 2015, 2019). Spain is the current titleholder, having triumphed in the 2023 World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand. This diverse range of champions highlights the growing competitiveness of the women’s game and the increasing number of countries capable of competing at the highest level.
The expansion of the Women’s World Cup to 48 teams in 2031 represents a bold and ambitious step towards realizing the full potential of women’s football. By providing more opportunities for participation, investment, and exposure, FIFA is laying the foundation for a future where women’s football is a truly global phenomenon. The decision is poised to inspire a new generation of female footballers, foster greater inclusivity, and accelerate the growth of the women’s game worldwide. The world eagerly anticipates the dawn of this new era in women’s football, as the 2031 Women’s World Cup promises to be a celebration of skill, passion, and global unity. This expansion reflects a dedicated effort to ensure that the women’s game continues its impressive trajectory, engaging larger audiences and fostering stronger communities around the world. As the sport continues to evolve, this strategic decision underlines a long-term vision for a vibrant and globally representative future for women’s football.
