Fifa strategy

FIFA President Gianni Infantino: The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has announced that they have decided to expand the number of participating teams in the Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 as of the 2031 edition following a FIFA Council meeting on Friday.

The decision, taken at a meeting held virtually, will significantly broaden representation, offering more nations and players access to elite competition and accelerating investment in women’s football worldwide.

The 48-team FIFA Women’s World Cup will adopt a 12-group format, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104 and extending the tournament by one week. The hosting requirements for the 2031 and 2035 editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup have been adapted accordingly.