FIFA confirms 48-team women's World Cup

The women's World Cup will be expanded from 32 to 48 teams from the 2031 edition onwards after the FIFA Council approved the proposal at a virtual meeting on Friday.

The 48-team World Cup will adopt a 12-group format, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104 - the same as the expanded men's World Cup in 2026, and extending the tournament by one week.

The hosting requirements for the 2031 and 2035 editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup have been adapted accordingly.

FIFA will further engage with the stakeholders involved in the consultation process to address their feedback.

"This is not just about having 16 more teams playing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup but taking the next steps in relation to the women’s game in general by ensuring that more FIFA Member Associations have the chance to benefit from the tournament to develop their women’s football structures from a holistic point of view," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The FIFA Council equally approved the FIFA Strategy for Action for Afghan Women’s Football, which foresees the establishment of the Afghan women’s refugee team (AWRT) and provides the FIFA administration with a mandate to organise and facilitate its operations to start its activities as soon as possible.

FIFA is engaging directly with the relevant players.

The revised edition of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) has also been unanimously approved by the FIFA Council. It includes a comprehensive set of proactive regulatory measures aimed at countering discriminatory behaviour both on and off the pitch.