The upcoming 2031 edition of the Women’s World Cup will see an increase in participating nations from 32 to 48. This adjustment aims to parallel the men’s competition, which will similarly expand ahead of the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This decision follows the Women’s World Cup’s prior jump from 24 to 32 teams, effective from the 2023 event held in Australia and New Zealand.
“After consultation with confederations and key stakeholders, as well as considering the outstanding strides made in women’s football globally, the FIFA Council has unanimously decided to expand the number of teams in the FIFA Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 for the 2031 edition,” FIFA remarked. (Translation: “Après consultation avec les confédérations et d’autres parties prenantes, et compte tenu des remarquables progrès récents réalisés par le football féminin à travers le monde, le Conseil de la FIFA a décidé à l’unanimité d’élargir le nombre d’équipes participantes à la Coupe du Monde Féminine de la FIFA de 32 à 48 à partir de l’édition de 2031.”)
This expansion will enhance the representation in the tournament, allowing more nations and players to engage in elite competition and stimulating growth in women’s football worldwide.
The redesigned format will feature 12 groups, thereby increasing the total matches to 104 and lengthening the tournament by one week. New hosting conditions for the 2031 and 2035 tournaments have been adjusted accordingly.
With recent advancements in women’s soccer, the need for expansion has surfaced since the event used to host only 24 teams before the transition to 32. Although there are talks about possibly enlarging the men’s World Cup beyond 48 teams, it raises concerns due to the increasing demands on players globally.
As Spain aims to defend their title during the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, the United States, managed by Emma Hayes, seeks a rebound after their exit in the 2023 edition at the hands of Sweden in a penalty shootout.
FIFA Updates Disciplinary Code on Racism
FIFA has also revised its disciplinary regulations concerning racism in sports, introducing robust measures to combat discriminatory actions, such as escalated fines and the possibility of match forfeitures. The process for halting matches in response to anti-LGBTQ chants has been revamped to include racism. FIFA will maintain the right to challenge cases of racially motivated abuse with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“The revised Disciplinary Code signifies a crucial step in FIFA’s commitment to intensifying its regulatory framework aimed at prosecuting and penalizing discrimination and racist conduct in collaboration with our 211 member associations,” said President Gianni Infantino.
