FIFA made a landmark announcement on May 9, confirming that the women’s World Cup will expand to 48 teams in 2031. This significant change aims to “significantly broaden representation,” granting more nations and players the opportunity to compete at the highest level. The expansion will not only enhance global participation but also speed up the growth of investment in women’s football across the globe.
In 2027, Brazil will host the Women’s World Cup, scheduled from June 24 to July 25. That tournament will feature 32 teams, but by 2031, FIFA plans to up the ante. While the United States is currently the only official bidder for the 2031 World Cup, it’s noteworthy that the U.S. is also preparing to co-host the men’s World Cup in 2026 alongside Canada and Mexico.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the broader impact of this expansion beyond just adding 16 more teams. The move, he said, is about providing more FIFA Member Associations with the chance to strengthen their women’s football programs. This “holistic approach” will help create more sustainable growth for women’s football globally. Infantino highlighted that the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which saw teams from every confederation win at least one match and five confederations reach the knockout stage, set a new benchmark for global competitiveness. “This decision ensures we are maintaining the momentum in growing women’s football worldwide,” he added.
The expanded 48-team World Cup will be structured in a 12-group format, a significant shift from previous tournaments. This change will increase the number of matches from 64 to 104, and it will also extend the tournament by an additional week, allowing for even more action on the world stage.
FIFA reached this decision after consulting with football confederations and key stakeholders, all of whom recognized the impressive strides women’s football has made in recent years. The game has rapidly evolved, with increasing visibility, more competitive teams, and greater investment.
In another exciting development, FIFA partnered with Netflix to ensure that the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cups will be broadcast to American audiences via the streaming giant. This collaboration aims to broaden the reach and engagement of women’s football, making it more accessible to fans in the United States.
In terms of recent success, Spain triumphed in the 2023 World Cup, hosted by Australia and New Zealand. This victory marked a historic moment for the team, while the United States, who have previously won the tournament four times (1991, 1999, 2015, 2019), continues to dominate the sport.
Looking ahead, with the expansion of the tournament, we can expect even more thrilling moments and heightened competition on the global stage as women’s football continues to thrive.
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