FIFA has officially approved the expansion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, beginning with the 2031 edition — a move hailed as a landmark step in the continued global growth of women’s football.
The decision, announced after thorough consultation with confederations and other stakeholders, is designed to enhance inclusivity, competitiveness and investment in the women’s game across continents.
This marks the second expansion under a decade. The Women’s World Cup first increased from 16 to 24 teams in 2015, then to 32 teams in 2023.
Each expansion has been met with broader global participation and increased visibility for women’s football.
“With the women’s game growing at an unprecedented pace globally, it is only logical that the biggest tournament reflects that growth,” FIFA said in a statement.
“Expanding to 48 teams will offer more players and nations access to the world stage.”
The revamped tournament will adopt a 12-group format, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104, and extend the tournament by an additional week. FIFA has also adjusted the hosting requirements for the 2031 and 2035 editions to accommodate the larger field.
The move follows the resounding success of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which broke attendance and viewership records, and further solidified the commercial and cultural relevance of women’s football.
With the expanded format, FIFA aims to give emerging nations a greater chance to qualify, while also providing more elite competition to strengthen the global football ecosystem for women.
