FIFA expands the 48 -team women’s world cup

FIFA officially approved the expansion of the FIFA female World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, starting from the 2031 edition – a move greeting as a reference step in the continuous global growth of women’s football.

The decision, announced after in -depth advice with the confederations and other interested parties, is designed to improve inclusiveness, competitiveness and investments in women’s game on continents.

This marks the second expansion of a decade. The women’s world cup increased for the first time from 16 to 24 teams in 2015, therefore to 32 teams in 2023.

Each expansion was welcomed with a wider global participation and greater visibility for women’s football.

“With the women’s game growing at an unprecedented rhythm globally, it is only logical that the largest tournament reflects that growth,” said Fifa in a note.

“The expansion to 48 teams will offer more players and nations access to the world scene”.

The renewed tournament will adopt a format to 12 groups, increasing the total number of games from 64 to 104 and extends the tournament within another week. Fifa has also adequate the hosting requirements for editions 2031 and 2035 to host the largest field.

The move follows the sensational success of the 2023 female World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, who beat the records of presences and spectators and has further consolidated the commercial and cultural relevance of women’s football.

With the expanded format, FIFA aims to give emerging nations a greater possibility of qualifying, while providing greater elite competition to strengthen the global football ecosystem for women.