The FIFA Council approved the proposal at a virtual meeting on May 9, following the increasing success and popularity of women’s football.
After consultation with the confederations and other stakeholders, and given the increasing success of women’s football around the world, the FIFA Council has unanimously decided to expand the number of participating teams in the FIFA Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 starting from the 2031 edition of the tournament.
The 48-team format will mean 12 groups as well as increasing the number of matches from 64 to 104. Furthermore, the length of the tournament will be extended by one week. The hosting requirements for the 2031 and 2035 editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup have been adapted accordingly, said FIFA.
The Women’s World Cup increased in size from 24 to 32 teams for its 2023 edition in Australia and New Zealand. The 2027 tournament in Brazil will again have 32 teams.
