As plans move forward for a 64-team Men’s World Cup, FIFA is also set to significantly expand the Women’s World Cup. The global football governing body has announced that starting from the 2031 edition, the Women’s World Cup will feature 48 teams—an increase of 16 from the current 32.
Before this expansion takes effect, the 2027 Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Brazil and will maintain the 32-team format.
In an official statement, FIFA confirmed that the 48-team tournament will follow a 12-group format, which will naturally increase the number of matches from 64 to 104. The tournament duration will also be extended by an additional week. FIFA stated that this new format will be implemented in the 2031 edition in the United States, and again in the 2035 edition in the United Kingdom.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino commented:
“This is not just about adding 16 more teams to the FIFA Women’s World Cup. It’s about taking the next step in developing the women’s game globally. More member nations will benefit from participating in the tournament, and this will enhance their football infrastructure. This expansion will create new momentum for the growth of women’s football around the world.”
The first Women’s World Cup was held in 1991, featuring 12 teams. That number increased to 16 in 1999, then to 24 for the 2015 and 2019 tournaments. The most recent edition in 2023 saw 32 teams compete in Australia and New Zealand.
The 2023 tournament was historic in many ways—it marked the first time the Women’s World Cup featured 32 teams. Spain’s women lifted the trophy for the first time, defeating England in the final held in Sydney. Notably, since the inaugural tournament in 1991, no host nation has won the Women’s World Cup title again.
