The FIFA Women’s World Cup will feature 48 teams starting in 2031, aligning it with the format of the men’s tournament, which is set to expand to 48 teams in 2026. The FIFA Council unanimously approved this historic decision, marking a significant step toward gender parity in global football. The 2031 edition, potentially hosted by the United States, will include 12 groups and 104 matches—a substantial increase from the current 64 matches—and will extend by one week to accommodate the expanded format.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that the move aims to foster worldwide growth in women’s football. “This expansion isn’t merely about adding 16 teams; it’s about empowering more nations to strengthen their women’s football programs holistically,” he stated. Infantino highlighted the 2023 Women’s World Cup as a catalyst, noting its record-breaking inclusivity: teams from all six continental confederations won matches, while five confederations advanced to the knockout stage. “This decision ensures we build on that momentum to elevate competitiveness and accessibility globally,” he added.
Infantino also hinted that the U.S. and U.K. are frontrunners to host the 2031 and 2035 tournaments, respectively, pending an official announcement in 2025. Both nations met FIFA’s initial bidding requirements by the April deadline. Meanwhile, the 2027 Women’s World Cup, to be held in Brazil, will conclude the 32-team era.
Pathway Established for Afghan Women’s Refugee Team
In a parallel initiative, FIFA unveiled plans to support the creation of an Afghan women’s refugee team, reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity amid Afghanistan’s political challenges. The council directed administrators to expedite efforts to operationalize the team, ensuring displaced athletes can compete internationally. Infantino hailed the project as “groundbreaking,” declaring, “FIFA is dedicated to providing every girl with the opportunity to play football.”
While advocates welcomed the move, some urged further action. A representative of the Afghan women’s football community acknowledged progress but stressed the need for FIFA to formally recognize the squad as Afghanistan’s official women’s national team. “We’re grateful for this pathway but hope FIFA will amend its statutes to grant our players full recognition,” she told CNN.
A New Era for Women’s Football
The 2031 expansion and Afghan refugee team initiative underscore FIFA’s broader strategy to accelerate the development of women’s football. By increasing participation and addressing systemic barriers, the organization aims to transform the sport’s landscape. As nations prepare for upcoming tournaments, these changes signal a pivotal shift toward equity, offering more athletes a platform to inspire future generations.
With Brazil’s 2027 event bridging the transition to a larger, more inclusive World Cup, the stage is set for a transformative decade in women’s football—one that promises to redefine opportunities on and off the pitch.
