FIFA expands Women's World Cup to 48 teams by 2031, matching men's tournament

The number of teams participating in the Women's World Cup will increase from 32 to 48, matching the men's tournament, starting with the 2031 edition, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced on Friday.

The decision was made unanimously by the FIFA Council, the international body stated in a press release.

This expansion in the number of teams was decided "in light of the remarkable progress recently made by women's football worldwide," FIFA explained.