In a landmark decision on Friday, the FIFA Council unanimously approved the expansion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, starting with the 2031 edition. The expansion mirrors the format of the men’s tournament, which will also feature 48 teams in 2026. The move marks a significant milestone in the evolution of women’s football, building on decades of steady growth in global participation.
The 2031 Women’s World Cup is widely expected to be hosted by the United States, currently the sole bidder for the event. FIFA confirmed that the hosting bid will be ratified in 2026. The expanded format will see the competition adopt 12 groups, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104 and extending the tournament duration by one week. FIFA noted that hosting requirements for both the 2031 and 2035 editions have been adapted to accommodate the new structure.
Boost for Global Competitiveness and Development of Women’s Football
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that the expansion is not merely about adding more teams but about creating broader opportunities for growth. “This is not just about having 16 more teams playing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup but taking the next steps in relation to the women’s game in general by ensuring that more FIFA Member Associations have the chance to benefit from the tournament,” Infantino said in a statement.
He highlighted the achievements of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which saw teams from all confederations winning at least one match and five confederations reaching the knockout stage. According to Infantino, the expansion will maintain momentum toward making women’s football more competitive on the global stage, while promoting development across all regions.
Support from Players and Stakeholders with Call for Inclusive Planning
Global players’ union FIFPRO welcomed the expansion, noting it as a reflection of the women’s game’s global growth. “In principle, FIFPRO welcomes the expansion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” the organization said, while stressing that the support of players hinges on inclusive decision-making. “It is critical that the global development of women’s competitions goes hand in hand with improved labour conditions and the advancement of players.”
FIFPRO warned that expanding the competition without corresponding investments in player welfare, resources, and domestic leagues could undermine sustainability. They called for cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure the tournament’s growth translates into long-term benefits for women’s football worldwide, from grassroots to elite levels.
U.S. Soccer and NWSL View Expansion as Catalyst for Growth
The U.S. Soccer Federation expressed strong support for the expansion, calling it a transformative opportunity. “Forty-eight teams is something that we’ve been passionate supporters for,” U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson said. He explained that many federations worldwide see the Women’s World Cup as a more accessible path to global competition than the men’s equivalent, potentially spurring greater investment in women’s and girls’ soccer.
Jessica Berman, commissioner of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), described the 2031 Women’s World Cup as a “catalyst” for the growth of women’s soccer in the United States. She drew parallels with the 1999 World Cup, which boosted the sport’s profile nationally. “The idea that we actually will have a thriving league going into it and coming out of it should create an incredible amount of excitement for the future of the NWSL, and we absolutely will capitalize on it,” Berman said.
FIFA Also Approves Afghan Women’s Refugee Team Amid Broader Reforms
In a separate decision, FIFA approved the establishment of an Afghan women’s refugee team, composed of Afghan female players granted refugee status abroad. The team will operate under a one-year pilot phase as FIFA assesses its long-term viability. FIFA’s regulations typically require teams to be recognized by their national federation to compete officially, but Afghanistan’s football federation has refused to acknowledge women’s teams since the Taliban’s return to power.
The move provides a critical lifeline for Afghan female players, whose national program has been effectively dissolved since 2018 under restrictive policies banning women’s sports. FIFA’s support signals an effort to create alternative pathways for displaced athletes while navigating political and regulatory hurdles. The initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at ensuring inclusivity and safeguarding players’ rights within the global football community.
