FIFA has confirmed the expansion of the Women’s World Cup, increasing the number of teams from 32 to 48 starting from the 2031 edition.
The decision, unanimously backed by the FIFA Council, will see the 2035 tournament – expected to be hosted in the UK — benefit from this major change.
With the new format, 12 groups will compete, stretching the tournament by an extra week. The total number of matches will soar from 64 to 104. This obviously offers more nations a big opportunity to compete on the global stage.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the move will boost women’s football development worldwide, adding that it will ensure continued momentum.
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England, who reached the 2023 final before losing to Spain, could enjoy home advantage in 2035, along with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Notably, none of the UK nations have claimed the title since the Women’s World Cup began in 1991.
Meanwhile, in a groundbreaking decision, FIFA approved the creation of an Afghanistan women’s refugee team. This team, made up of Afghan players granted asylum abroad, will participate in FIFA-supervised matches.
Infantino hailed it as a “landmark” step for the sport. Following an initial one-year trial, FIFA will evaluate its long-term viability.
This move comes as women’s football remains banned in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, with the national team last playing an official match in 2018.
Additionally, FIFA introduced a stricter anti-racism framework, increasing fines for racist abuse to £4.51m and mandating a new three-step anti-discrimination protocol for all confederations.
Tags: FIFA, Women’s World Cup expansion, Afghan refugee team, Gianni Infantino, 2031 Women’s World Cup.
