The Women’s World Cup will expand to 48 teams starting with the 2031 edition, FIFA announced on Friday, reflecting the rapid growth of the women's game globally.

The decision, approved by the FIFA Council, will bring the tournament in line with the men's format—featuring 12 groups of four teams and more than 100 matches. The 2031 event is expected to be hosted by the United States, while the UK is in line to stage the 2035 edition, both pending formal ratification.

The tournament had previously expanded from 24 to 32 teams at the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and will retain that size for the 2027 event in Brazil. Eight venues, including Rio’s iconic Maracanã, have already been confirmed for 2027.

FIFA said the expansion follows consultation with all continental federations and aims to meet growing global demand and participation in women’s football.

Meanwhile, FIFA also announced a three-pillar initiative to support Afghan women’s football, including the creation of a refugee team made up of evacuated Afghan players. The pilot program will offer these athletes a chance to compete in international friendlies and tournaments under FIFA’s oversight, with a focus on safety and wellbeing.

The strategy includes targeted support for women and girls inside Afghanistan, diplomatic engagement with stakeholders under Taliban rule, and external opportunities for displaced players.

Khalida Popal, founder of the exiled Afghan women’s team, welcomed the move as “historic” but urged FIFA to go further by granting official recognition. Human rights groups say the move is overdue, as Afghanistan remains excluded from World Cup qualification due to ongoing bans on women’s participation in sport by the country’s football federation.

Source: The Guardian

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