Has FIFA Approved the Expansion of the Women’s World Cup to 48 Teams Starting with the 2031 Edition?
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Synopsis
FIFA has made a historic decision to expand the Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 teams starting in 2031. This move promises greater representation and investment in women's football globally. Discover how this expansion will reshape the future of the sport!
Key Takeaways
- Expansion from 32 to 48 teams
- New 12-group format increases matches from 64 to 104
- Enhances global representation and investment in women's football
- Establishment of Afghan women’s refugee team
- Continued growth of women's sports
New Delhi, May 9 (NationPress) The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has revealed a groundbreaking decision to increase the number of teams in the Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48, starting with the 2031 edition. This announcement came after a virtual FIFA Council meeting on Friday.
This pivotal decision will greatly enhance representation, allowing more nations and players to participate in high-level competitions, while also boosting investments in women's football on a global scale.
The expanded 48-team FIFA Women’s World Cup will feature a new 12-group format, raising the total number of matches from 64 to 104 and extending the tournament by an additional week. The hosting criteria for the 2031 and 2035 editions have also been revised to accommodate this increase.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, “This is not merely about adding 16 more teams to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. It’s about advancing the women’s game overall by ensuring that more FIFA Member Associations can leverage the tournament to enhance their women's football frameworks from a comprehensive perspective.”
He further noted, “The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 set a remarkable benchmark for international competition, with teams from all confederations winning at least one match and five confederations reaching the knockout stage. This decision is crucial in maintaining the growth of women’s football worldwide.”
Additionally, the Council approved the FIFA Strategy for Action for Afghan Women’s Football, which aims to establish the Afghan women’s refugee team (AWRT) and tasked the administration with organizing and facilitating its activities swiftly.
Infantino emphasized, “This is a landmark initiative. FIFA is dedicated to ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to play football.”
The inaugural edition of the FIFA Women's World Cup took place in China in 1991 with 12 teams. The most recent edition was hosted by Australia and New Zealand, with Spain taking home the trophy. The next tournament will occur in 2027, while the United States is set to host the 2031 edition.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge FIFA's commitment to enhancing women's football. This expansion reflects a positive trend towards inclusivity and investment in the sport, ensuring that more nations can participate and develop their women's football programs. It is a significant step forward in promoting equality and competition on a global scale.
NationPress
20/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is FIFA expanding the Women’s World Cup?
FIFA is expanding the Women’s World Cup to enhance representation, allowing more nations and players to participate and to boost investment in women's football globally.
What is the new format for the Women’s World Cup?
The new format will feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups, with the total number of matches increasing from 64 to 104.
When will the expanded Women’s World Cup take effect?
The expansion will take effect starting with the 2031 edition of the Women’s World Cup.
What other initiatives did FIFA announce?
FIFA also approved the establishment of the Afghan women’s refugee team as part of their strategy for action for Afghan women’s football.
Who won the last Women’s World Cup?
The last Women’s World Cup was held in 2023, and Spain secured the title.
