FIFA confirms Womens World Cup will increase to 48 teams in 2031 when US is expected to host

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 5:32 pm

**FIFA Expands Women's World Cup to 48 Teams, US Expected to Host in 2031**

ZURICH (AP) – Get ready for a bigger and better Women's World Cup! FIFA confirmed on Friday that the prestigious tournament will expand to 48 teams in 2031, with the United States poised to host. This expansion mirrors the men's World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time in 2026, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

The decision to increase the number of participating nations from the current 32 teams reflects FIFA's commitment to growing women's football globally. The expanded format aims to provide more opportunities for nations and players to compete at the highest level, fostering investment and development in the sport worldwide.

The 2031 tournament will be a significant leap from the 16-team format used as recently as the 2011 edition in Germany. The Women's World Cup has steadily grown, with 24 teams in Canada and France, and then 32 teams in 2023, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the success of the 2023 tournament, which defied concerns about competitiveness. Teams from all confederations won at least one game, and teams from five confederations reached the knockout stage, demonstrating the increasing global competitiveness of women's soccer. Brazil will host the 32-team Women's World Cup in 2027. The United Kingdom is the other candidate to host the 2035 tournament. FIFA is expected to confirm these two hosts next year.

Keywords: Women's World Cup, FIFA, 48 teams, United States, 2031, soccer, women's football, tournament expansion, Gianni Infantino, Brazil, 2027, United Kingdom, host nation, global competitiveness

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