FIFA has announced that the Women’s World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams beginning with the 2031 edition, aligning it with the men’s format.
This decision was made unanimously by the FIFA Council, which cited the significant growth of women’s football globally.
The expanded tournament will introduce a 12-group format, increasing the number of matches from 64 to 104 and extending the competition by one week, according to the world’s football governing body.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the move was influenced by the success of the 2023 edition in Australia and New Zealand, which was won by Spain.
“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the first in which teams from all confederations won at least one game and teams from five confederations reached the knockout stage, among many other records, set a new standard for global competitiveness,” said Infantino.
He further explained that the expansion goes beyond numbers and is aimed at enhancing the development of women’s football structures worldwide.
“This is not just about having 16 more teams playing … but taking the next steps in relation to the women’s game in general by ensuring that more FIFA Member Associations have the chance to benefit from the tournament to develop their women’s football structures,” he said.
“This decision ensures we are maintaining the momentum in terms of growing women’s football globally.”
The 2027 tournament, set to be hosted by Brazil, will maintain the current 32-team format. The football governing body has not yet confirmed the hosts for the 2031 and 2035 editions, though the United States is the sole candidate for 2031, while the United Kingdom is bidding for 2035.
“I can confirm as part of the bidding process that we received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035,” Infantino said in a previous statement.
In related developments, the FIFA Council approved several other initiatives, including the implementation of stricter anti-racism measures, which involve increasing fines. Member federations are now required to align their disciplinary codes with FIFA’s standards. If national sanctions are deemed inadequate, the football governing body retains the right to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), as it does in doping cases.
Additionally, preparations are underway for the 75th FIFA Congress, scheduled for May 15 in Asunción, Paraguay.
The Council also endorsed a support strategy for Afghan women footballers, which features the creation of an Afghan Women’s Refugee Team (AWRT).
“FIFA is engaging directly with the relevant players,” the organization said.
“This is a landmark initiative,” added Infantino.
“FIFA is committed to giving every girl the possibility to play football.”
AFP
