The beautiful game is getting bigger on the women's side. FIFA has officially given the green light to expand the Women's World Cup from 32 to 48 teams starting with the 2031 edition. This significant change was approved during a virtual FIFA Council meeting on Friday.
The expanded tournament will feature a 12-group format, similar to the men's World Cup plan for 2026. This means fans will get to enjoy 104 matches instead of the current 64—that's 40 more games of world-class women's football!
The tournament will also run one week longer than current editions. This extension accommodates the additional matches while ensuring players get proper rest between games.
What This Means for Women's Football
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized this isn't just about adding more teams. "This is taking the next steps in relation to the women's game in general," he stated.
The expansion gives more countries a realistic shot at qualifying for the sport's biggest stage. This could accelerate development programs worldwide as nations invest more heavily in women's football with a World Cup spot potentially within reach.
For betting enthusiasts, the expanded format offers exciting new opportunities. More matches mean more betting markets and potentially more value picks as lesser-known teams enter the global spotlight.
Some critics worry about potential mismatches with more teams involved. However, Infantino pointed to the 2023 tournament as evidence of growing competitiveness across all confederations.
USA and UK Set to Host Future Tournaments
Before we reach the 48-team era, Brazil will host the 2027 Women's World Cup with the current 32-team format. This will be the second consecutive tournament with 32 teams after Australia and New Zealand hosted 32 nations in 2023.
The United States stands as the sole bidder for the first expanded tournament in 2031. If confirmed, this would mark the third time the USA hosts the Women's World Cup, following successful tournaments in 1999 and 2003.
Looking even further ahead, the United Kingdom is positioned as the only bidder for the 2035 edition. Both future hosts still require official ratification from FIFA.
The expansion reflects the tremendous growth in women's football globally. The 2023 World Cup set new standards for competitiveness, with teams from all confederations winning at least one game and five different confederations having representatives in the knockout stages.
For fans and bettors alike, this expansion promises more drama, more upsets, and more opportunities to witness emerging talent on the world stage. The women's game continues to reach new heights, and this latest development ensures its momentum will only grow stronger in the coming years.
