FIFA has confirmed that the Women’s World Cup will grow from 32 to 48 teams starting with the 2031 tournament.
The FIFA Council voted unanimously in favor of the change, which will take effect for the 2035 edition, set to be hosted in the United Kingdom. As a result, the tournament will adopt a new 12-group format and see an increase of 40 matches, expanding from 64 to 104. This will also extend the tournament by one week.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino explained that the expansion would offer more nations the opportunity to “benefit from the tournament and develop their women’s football structures.” He added, “This decision ensures we maintain the momentum in growing women’s football worldwide.”
England reached the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, only to be defeated by Spain. In 2035, the Lionesses, along with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, will have the chance to compete on home soil, with the UK seen as the sole “valid” bidder for the tournament. No home nation has ever lifted the Women’s World Cup since its inception in 1991.
FIFPro Calls for Better Labour Conditions
The expansion was welcomed “in principle” by FIFPro, the global players’ union, but they urged FIFA to address key issues affecting the women’s game.
“While [the World Cup expansion] reflects the global growth of the women’s game, the support of players depends on inclusive decision-making and planning that respects all stakeholders,” FIFPro stated. “It is crucial that the global development of women’s competitions goes hand in hand with improved labour conditions, player advancement, and development at all levels. This is essential for true sustainability and progress.”
FIFA Approves Afghan Refugee Women’s Team
In another landmark decision, FIFA has approved the creation of an Afghanistan women’s refugee team. Made up of female Afghan players who have gained refugee status abroad, the team will compete in matches overseen by FIFA.
Following an initial one-year pilot phase, FIFA will assess the viability of the program for the long term. This decision comes after the Afghanistan Football Federation has not recognized its women’s teams due to the Taliban’s ban on women’s sports. The last official match played by the Afghanistan women’s team took place in 2018.
New Disciplinary Code to Tackle Racism
FIFA also introduced a revised disciplinary code to combat racism. The new rules include a maximum fine for racist abuse set at £4.51 million, as well as a three-step anti-discrimination procedure that all confederations will be required to implement.
