FIFA Approves Women’s World Cup Expansion To 48 Teams For 2031

FIFA Council has confirmed the expansion of the Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, beginning with the 2031 tournament hosted by the United States.

The decision, made during a video conference meeting on Friday, aligns the women’s competition format with the men’s tournament, which will feature 48 nations at its 2026 edition in North America.

The women’s tournament was previously enlarged from 24 to 32 teams following the 2019 World Cup in France, with this change implemented for the 2023 competition in Australia and New Zealand.

The 2027 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to run from June 24 to July 25 in Brazil, will maintain the 32-team format before the next expansion takes effect.

United States Soccer and potentially other CONCACAF members will host the expanded 48-team tournament in 2031.

The United States, which previously hosted in 1999 and 2003, withdrew its joint bid with Mexico for the 2027 competition to focus on securing the 2031 event. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the United Kingdom is the sole bidder for the 2035 Women’s World Cup.

Commercial opportunities represent a significant factor behind the expansion, with additional matches creating increased revenue potential through ticket sales, sponsorship, and media rights.

However, the larger tournament format raises questions about logistical challenges, including venue requirements and qualification pathways, particularly at youth levels where the Under-20 Women’s World Cup currently features 24 teams.

The successful 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand demonstrated that expanded participation did not diminish competitive quality, with packed stadiums and exciting matches throughout.

Football governing bodies now face pressure to maintain prize money equality and ensure member nations properly invest in women’s football development at all levels to support this growth.