FIFA has officially increased the number of participants in the Women's World Cup from 38 to 48 teams, which will come into effect in 2031.
The FIFA Council approved the proposal in a virtual meeting. The addition will significantly broaden representation, give more countries the opportunity to participate, give players greater access to elite competition and accelerate investment in women's football around the world.
“This is not just about increasing the number of teams playing at the FIFA Women’s World Cup to 16, but also taking the next step in terms of women’s football in general by ensuring that more FIFA Member Associations have the opportunity to benefit from this tournament to develop their women’s football structures from a holistic point of view,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino told FIFA’s official website on Saturday.
The 48-team FIFA Women's World Cup will adopt a 12-group format, increasing the number of matches from 64 to 104 and extending the tournament by one week. The requirements for hosting the 2031 and 2035 FIFA Women's World Cups have been adjusted.
FIFA will further engage stakeholders in a consultation process to respond to their input.
