FIFA has announced that the Women’s World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams beginning with the 2031 edition, mirroring the format used in the men’s tournament. The decision was unanimously approved by the FIFA Council on Friday, citing the rapid global growth of women’s football.
The expanded tournament will feature 12 groups and increase the total number of matches from 64 to 104, adding an extra week to the competition.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the success of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand—where Spain emerged victorious—played a key role in the decision. “The 2023 tournament set new standards for global competitiveness,” Infantino said. “This is about more than just adding teams—it’s about creating more opportunities for nations to grow their women’s football programs.”
The 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil will still feature 32 teams, but from 2031 onward, the expanded format will apply. While FIFA has yet to confirm the hosts for 2031 and 2035, the United States is the sole bidder for the 2031 event, and the United Kingdom is bidding for 2035.
In related decisions, the FIFA Council also adopted stricter anti-racism policies, including increased fines and alignment of national Disciplinary Codes. FIFA now has the authority to appeal inadequate sanctions to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, similar to doping cases.
Additionally, FIFA approved a new strategy to support Afghan women footballers, including the formation of the Afghan Women’s Refugee Team (AWRT). Infantino called the move “a landmark initiative,” affirming FIFA’s commitment to giving every girl the chance to play football.
Preparations for the 75th FIFA Congress, scheduled for May 15 in Asunción, Paraguay, were also reviewed.