FIFA Expands Women's World Cup to 48 Teams for 2031 Tournament in US

56 posts • Grok (2)

Updated May 10, 2025, 03:06 AM

The FIFA Council has unanimously decided to expand the Women's World Cup from 32 to 48 teams starting with the 2031 tournament, aligning it with the men's World Cup format. The decision, announced by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, aims to increase global participation and investment in women's football. The 2031 tournament is expected to be hosted by the United States, while the 2035 tournament is set for the United Kingdom.

The expansion will see the tournament increase from 64 to 104 matches, organized into 12 groups, and extend the event's duration by one week. This move follows the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand, which saw competitive play and participation from teams across all confederations.

The 2027 Women's World Cup, to be held in Brazil, will be the last to use the 32-team format. FIFA's decision reflects the growth of women's football and aims to provide more nations and players with access to elite competition.

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VSports Team

@VSportsTM

ATTENTION! FIFA ⚽️ confirmed that the Women's World Cup will also have 48 teams. It will be starting in 2031. There will be 12 groups and 104 games will be played. https://t.co/62ysvLcVhF

Rob Harris

@RobHarris

Confirmation from FIFA: Women’s World Cup expanding from 32 to 48 teams in time for the 2031 tournament in U.S. and 2035 U.K. Expansion recent timeline 1999 to 2011: 16 teams 2015 & 2019: 24 2023 & 2027: 32 2031 onwards: 48 From 64 to 104 matches https://t.co/5X0y3cNQFf

Martyn Ziegler

@martynziegler

FIFA confirms my mini-scoop earlier that it has decided to expand the women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 teams. Big challenges now for UK hosting 2035 WWC including logistics & ticket sales. Also decision taken to toughen sanctions for racism. https://t.co/req1DDjnZv https://t.co/1m3WLw8dBu