Zurich, Switzerland – FIFA is moving ahead with a major expansion of the Women’s World Cup, with plans to increase the number of participating teams from 32 to 48 starting from the 2031 edition. The decision, which mirrors the expansion of the men’s tournament set to debut in 2026, is part of a broader strategy to elevate women’s football on the global stage and widen access to elite competition.
FIFA’s expansion plans come just weeks after President Gianni Infantino revealed that only one candidate had submitted bids for each of the upcoming 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cups. The United States is expected to host the 2031 edition, followed by the United Kingdom in 2035.
An official announcement confirming both host nations is anticipated in 2026, according to FIFA insiders.
A Bold Step for Global Representation
The move to enlarge the tournament was confirmed in a statement released by FIFA on Friday, in which the organization highlighted the positive outcomes from the 2023 Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. That edition was the first to feature 32 teams and surpassed expectations in terms of competitiveness, attendance, and global viewership.
“The 2023 Women’s World Cup set a new benchmark for quality and inclusiveness,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “All six confederations saw their teams win at least one match, and five confederations were represented in the knockout stage. This reflects the global growth of the women’s game and justifies the expansion.”
Infantino further explained that a 48-team tournament would “significantly broaden representation, offering more nations and players access to elite competition and accelerating investment in women’s football worldwide.”
Looking Ahead: U.S., U.K. to Host Future Tournaments
The U.S. is currently the sole bidder for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, and the U.K. is set to follow as the sole candidate for the 2035 edition. While FIFA has yet to formally approve the bids, industry sources suggest both nations will be confirmed as hosts in the coming year.
Brazil has already been selected to host the 2027 tournament, which will feature 32 teams—the same format used in 2023. That edition will mark the first time a South American nation hosts the Women’s World Cup.
A Rapid Evolution of the Game
The Women’s World Cup has undergone significant transformation in just over a decade. In 2011, the tournament in Germany featured only 16 teams. By 2015 in Canada and 2019 in France, that number rose to 24. The 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand increased it further to 32. Now, FIFA is preparing for the most dramatic expansion yet—to 48 teams and 104 matches.
Critics once feared that rapid expansion would result in unbalanced matches and diluted competition. Those fears were largely put to rest in 2023. While the 2019 World Cup included a record-setting 13-0 win by the U.S. over Thailand, the largest margin in 2023 was the Netherlands’ 7-0 win over Vietnam. Overall, the quality of play and parity across the board improved noticeably.
“The increased competitiveness we witnessed in 2023 demonstrates that women’s football has matured to a level where more teams can perform credibly on the global stage,” said Sarai Bareman, FIFA’s Chief Women’s Football Officer.
FIFPRO Applauds Expansion, Calls for Player Protections
The global football players’ union, FIFPRO, has welcomed FIFA’s expansion plans, while also emphasizing the need for inclusive governance and protections for athletes.
“It is critical that the global development of women’s competitions goes hand in hand with improved labor conditions and the advancement of players, as well as development further down the pyramid,” the Netherlands-based organization said in a statement. “This is the only path to true sustainability, expansion, and progress.”
FIFPRO called for cooperative planning between FIFA, national associations, clubs, and players to ensure that expansion does not come at the expense of players’ welfare.
In recent years, FIFA has taken steps to improve labor protections in women’s football, introducing landmark policies that guarantee maternity leave, post-pregnancy job security, and better contractual terms for players and coaches.
“These reforms are essential,” said FIFPRO General Secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffmann. “As the game grows, the protections must grow with it.”
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
Analysts say the decision to expand the tournament presents both immense opportunities and logistical challenges. More teams mean more matches, more venues, and higher operational demands—but also more broadcasting rights, ticket sales, and global exposure.
FIFA believes the investment is worth it.
“We are witnessing an unprecedented surge in interest in women’s football,” said Fatma Samoura, FIFA Secretary General. “With the right infrastructure and planning, a 48-team Women’s World Cup can rival the men’s tournament in both impact and revenue generation.”
Increased participation could open the door for countries in Africa, Asia, and Oceania to compete on a bigger stage and develop their footballing programs more rapidly.
Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco—all of whom qualified for the 2023 tournament—could benefit from more qualification slots and increased international exposure.
Conclusion: A New Era in Women’s Football
As FIFA prepares to usher in a new era for women’s football, the expansion of the Women’s World Cup stands as a milestone moment in the sport’s history. With Brazil set to host in 2027 and the United States and United Kingdom lined up for 2031 and 2035, the future of the women’s game looks increasingly global.
This bold move not only aims to include more nations but also serves as a catalyst for greater investment, improved player welfare, and enhanced competitiveness.
With the world watching, the Women’s World Cup is no longer just catching up to the men’s game—it’s creating a legacy of its own.
