The Women's World Cup will be played by 48 teams starting with the 2031 edition.

The format of the Women's World Cup is evolving. Starting with the 2031 edition, which has been pre-awarded to the United States , 48 ​​teams will take part in the tournament, the International Football Federation (FIFA) announced in a statement on Friday, May 9.

The decision was taken unanimously by the body's board, the text states, "given the remarkable progress recently made by women's football around the world." This extension is hardly a surprise: FIFA President Gianni Infantino had announced his intention to implement it at the European federation UEFA's congress in Belgrade in April.

"It's not just about having 16 additional teams (...) but about taking a new step in the development of women's football in general," the leader argued, quoted in the press release. Expanding access to "elite competition" to more nations will "accelerate investment" in this sector, he believes.

The 2023 World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand and won by Spain , was the first to host 32 teams. The same will apply in 2027, in Brazil, before this expansion comes into effect.

The first editions of the event, in 1991 and 1995, had only 12 participants, before being extended to 16 (1999, 2003, 2007, 2011), then to 24 (2015, 2019).

The increase from 32 to 48 selections had already been approved for the men's team at the next World Cup, which is to be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States from June 11 to July 19, 2026.