Big news is on the horizon for women’s football — starting in 2031, the FIFA Women’s World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams. The decision was officially approved during a FIFA Council virtual meeting, marking a historic step forward for the women’s game.
This change will bring more matches, more countries, and more opportunities for female athletes around the world. The tournament format will shift to 12 groups, increasing the number of games from 64 to 104, aligning with the format of the men’s 2026 World Cup.
What’s Next? Brazil in 2027, Then the Big Expansion
Before the expansion kicks in, the 2027 Women’s World Cup will take place in Brazil, still featuring the current 32-team structure. This format was first introduced during the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand, which had previously increased the number of participants from 24 to 32.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that this isn’t just about adding more teams, but about pushing the entire women’s game to the next level. “This is about growing women’s football globally,” he said. “The 2023 tournament proved the gap is narrowing — it’s time to build on that momentum.”
What About the Host Countries?
While Brazil is set to host in 2027, FIFA has yet to confirm the host nations for 2031 and 2035. However, the United Kingdom is currently the only bidder for the 2035 edition, which could bring the tournament back to one of football’s historic homes.
Why 48 Teams? What Critics and Supporters Are Saying
Some skeptics have raised concerns that expanding to 48 teams could result in more one-sided matches. But the 2023 edition told a different story: for the first time, every continent had at least one team win a match, and teams from five confederations reached the knockout stages. This clearly shows the global level of competition is rising.
The players’ union FIFPRO welcomed the move, saying it reflects the growth of the women’s game. Still, they stressed the need for collaborative planning and better support systems for players. “It’s critical to ensure fair labor conditions and proper development across all levels of women’s football,” the statement read.
Final Thoughts:
This decision is more than just a tournament change — it’s a huge step forward for gender equality in sports. With 48 nations competing, more women from around the world will have the chance to represent their countries on the global stage, inspiring the next generation of female athletes.
