FIFA has officially approved the expansion of the Women’s World Cup to 48 teams beginning with the 2031 edition, in a landmark decision that reflects the sport’s rapid global growth. The proposal, which was unanimously endorsed by FIFA’s Council during a virtual meeting on Friday, mirrors the structure adopted for the men’s tournament and will see the competition extend to 104 matches over a longer tournament window.
The expanded format will introduce 12 groups of four teams, replacing the current eight-group structure used in the 32-team editions of 2023 and 2027. The 2027 tournament, which will be staged in Brazil, will be the last to feature 32 teams. The change from 2031 onwards is expected to allow greater global participation and encourage development in regions where women’s football is still emerging.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the decision as a transformative step for the sport. “This is not just about having 16 more teams playing in the Women’s World Cup,” he said. “It’s about creating opportunities for more FIFA member associations to benefit from the tournament, and to develop their women’s football structures holistically.” Infantino also pointed to the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand as a key indicator of the sport’s growing competitiveness, noting that it was the first edition in which every confederation had a team win at least one match, and five different confederations were represented in the knockout stages.
The move continues a steady trajectory of growth for the Women’s World Cup. From its inaugural 12-team edition in 1991, the tournament expanded to 16 teams in 1999, 24 teams in 2015, and then to 32 for France 2019 and Australia-New Zealand 2023. The 48-team format aligns the women’s tournament with the men’s, which will also feature 48 teams for the first time at the 2026 edition co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The United States is currently the only confirmed bidder for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, making it the likely host for what would be its third time staging the tournament following the 1999 and 2003 editions. The United Kingdom is the sole bidder for the 2035 tournament, though FIFA has not yet ratified either host.
While the expansion has been welcomed by many as a step forward for the globalisation of the women’s game, it has not been without its critics. Some analysts and former players have voiced concerns over potential mismatches and the risk of one-sided scorelines. In previous tournaments, such as the 2019 edition, several matches were decided by wide margins — most notably the United States’ 13–0 victory over Thailand. However, Infantino dismissed fears of diluted quality, citing the closing gap in standards as evident in 2023’s results and the emergence of new competitive nations.
The players’ union FIFPRO cautiously welcomed the expansion, recognising it as a sign of progress but warning that tournament growth must be matched by proper planning, representation, and investment in player welfare. “The support of players depends on inclusive decision-making and cooperative planning that respects all stakeholders,” the organisation said. “It is critical that the global development of women’s competitions goes hand in hand with improved labour conditions and the advancement of players, as well as development further down the pyramid.”
Prize money and logistical planning are likely to become focal points in the coming years. With the men’s 2026 World Cup prize pool reportedly nearing $900 million, and the 2023 women’s fund at just $110 million, stakeholders have already called for parity to reflect the growing scale and popularity of the women’s game.
The expansion to 48 teams is seen by FIFA as a critical milestone in the mission to raise the profile and reach of women’s football worldwide. As the governing body and its member associations look ahead to 2031, much will depend on whether the structural support for women’s teams matches the ambition set by this bold new chapter in the sport’s history.
