In an official announcement on Friday, FIFA stated that the Women’s World Cup will expand to 48 teams by 2031. This expansion aligns with the current size of the men’s World Cup, which will also feature 48 teams for the first time next year when the United States, Canada, and Mexico are set to co-host.
The expansion will require the addition of approximately four more stadiums and cities to the 2031 tournament’s host plan. While the United States is anticipated to host, FIFA mentioned the possibility of including Mexico and potentially other countries within the CONCACAF region.
This development comes a month after FIFA President Gianni Infantino indicated that there was only one bidder for each of the upcoming women’s tournaments in 2031 and 2035, with the United States for 2031 and the United Kingdom for 2035. Official confirmation for these hosts is expected next year.
In 2027, Brazil is scheduled to host a 32-team Women’s World Cup using eight cities and stadiums, a departure from the 12 stadiums used during the 2014 men’s World Cup in Brazil. The next men’s World Cup, occurring in 2026, will utilize 16 stadiums across 11 U.S. cities, plus three in Mexico and two in Canada.
FIFA expressed that expanding the women’s tournament would “significantly broaden representation,” allowing more nations and players to engage in elite competitions. This move is intended to boost investments in women’s football on a global scale.
Historically, the Women’s World Cup has seen considerable growth. In 2011, the tournament featured just 16 teams, which increased to 24 teams for the following editions hosted by Canada and France. In 2023, the tournament expanded to 32 teams, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Despite initial skepticism about rapid growth and concerns over team competitiveness, the 2023 edition demonstrated increasing global standards. President Infantino highlighted that teams from all confederations secured at least one victory and teams from five confederations advanced to the knockout stages.
The global players’ union FIFPRO supported the expansion plan, emphasizing the necessity of inclusive decision-making and collaborative preparation. The union stressed the importance of parallel improvements in labor conditions and player development for achieving sustainable growth. They stated that enhancing conditions and providing opportunities within the whole sport is crucial to achieving lasting progress.
FIFA has enhanced contractual protections for players and coaches regarding pregnancy and parenthood, reflecting a broader commitment to supporting players’ needs off the field.