The future of women’s football just took a giant leap forward: starting in 2031, the FIFA Women’s World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 national teams. The landmark decision, announced by the FIFA Council, reflects the sport’s rapid rise and growing global audience.
Under the new format, the competition will feature 12 groups and a total of 104 matches—up from 64—extending the tournament by one week. Fans around the world can expect more drama, more standout performances, and new rivalries.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the move as a way to build on the momentum of the 2023 edition in Australia and New Zealand. 'Teams from all confederations won at least one game and five confederations reached the knockout stage,' he noted, highlighting how that tournament smashed records and set a fresh benchmark for global competitiveness.
The next edition, set to take place in Brazil in 2027, will remain at 32 teams, marking the 10th anniversary of the women’s event. But all eyes are already on 2031, where the United States, currently the sole candidate, is expected to host. Looking further ahead, the United Kingdom is in the running to stage the 2035 competition.
This expansion follows the men’s World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time in 2026 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As the women’s game continues its upward trajectory, the broader landscape of international football is evolving to create new opportunities—on and off the pitch.
For young entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and sports fans alike, this development signals not just more football, but a chance to engage with powerful social and economic trends shaping our interconnected world.
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FIFA Women's World Cup expands to 48 teams starting with 2031 edition
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