FIFA has announced that the Women’s World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams beginning with the 2031 tournament, marking a significant milestone in the growth of the women’s game.
The decision, approved unanimously by the FIFA Council, will introduce a new 12-group format and increase the number of matches from 64 to 104. The expanded tournament will also run for an additional week to accommodate the new structure.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the move is aimed at offering more countries the opportunity to participate and further develop their women’s football programs.
“This decision ensures we are maintaining the momentum in terms of growing women’s football globally,” Infantino stated. “More nations will now have the chance to benefit from the exposure and investment the tournament brings.”
The United Kingdom is currently the only official bidder to host the 2035 edition of the tournament, which could see England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all competing on home soil. None of the UK’s home nations have won the Women’s World Cup since its inception in 1991.
The most recent edition of the tournament, held in 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, saw Spain defeat England in the final to win their first title.
