FIFA has announced a significant expansion of the Women’s World Cup, increasing the number of participating teams from 32 to 48. This change will take effect starting with the 2031 edition of the tournament, which is scheduled to be held in the United States. The expansion reflects FIFA’s commitment to fostering the growth of women’s football on a global scale, as articulated by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who emphasized that this move is vital to maintaining momentum in the sport.
The decision was made during a virtual FIFA Council meeting held on a recent Friday, marking a pivotal moment in the history of women’s football. The forthcoming 2035 tournament, which is set to occur in the United Kingdom, will also feature this expanded format. By increasing the total number of teams, FIFA aims to enhance the competitiveness of the tournament; the number of matches is projected to rise from 64 under the previous 32-team format to a robust 104 matches. This mirrors the upcoming changes for the men’s World Cup, which will be held in 2026 across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
While the expansion is intended to promote inclusivity and representation in women’s football, concerns regarding the potential for lopsided matches have been raised. The high-profile 13-0 victory of the USA over Thailand in the 2019 Women’s World Cup highlighted the striking disparities that can occur in tournament play. Notably, the inclusion of 12 additional teams in the Australia-New Zealand tournament in 2023 did not lead to similarly one-sided outcomes, with the USA’s match against Vietnam concluding with a mere 3-0 scoreline.
FIFPRO, the largest players’ union worldwide, has expressed cautious optimism regarding this development but remains skeptical about whether the promised benefits of increased support for women’s football will materialize. In their statement, they highlighted the importance of inclusive decision-making and the need for collaborative planning, urging FIFA to ensure that all stakeholders are respected in the growing landscape of women’s competitions. The statement further emphasized that genuine sustainability and progress can only be achieved if the development of women’s sports is accompanied by improved labor conditions for players and support for initiatives lower down the footballing pyramid.
A statement read: “In principle we welcome the expansion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, as it reflects the global growth of the women’s game. However, the support of players depends on inclusive decision-making and cooperative planning that respects all stakeholders.
“It is critical that the global development of women’s competitions goes hand in hand with improved labour conditions and the advancement of players, as well as development further down the pyramid. This is the only path to true sustainability, expansion, and progress.”
As for the 2035 Women’s World Cup, the bid led by England is currently the sole contender following the failure of the Spain-Portugal-Morocco joint entry to meet the requirements. The logistical considerations for hosting 104 matches across various stadiums in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales are deemed manageable, especially in light of the enthusiastic reception of women’s football following England’s triumph in the Women’s European Championship at Wembley in 2022.
Mark Bullingham, the chief executive of the Football Association, expressed excitement about hosting the World Cup on home soil, noting its significance as England’s first FIFA World Cup since 1966, particularly in partnership with the home nations. There is widespread anticipation that staging the tournament across multiple locations will further heighten interest and increase participation in women’s football throughout the UK.
In an interview with Sky News, England star Chloe Kelly shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament. Reflecting on the incredible success of the Women’s Euros, she stated, “The Euros here was amazing and a World Cup would be absolutely incredible.” She emphasized the importance of the event, saying, “I think it’s everyone’s dream, of course… England fans love football and we’re ready to get behind the team. So I think it’s important that we have many celebratory moments together.” Kelly’s words capture the anticipation and excitement surrounding the Women’s World Cup and the ongoing growth of women’s football in England. The momentum generated by recent successes at the international level may serve as a catalyst for further growth and popularity in the sport, making the prospect of the expanded World Cup even more thrilling for fans and athletes around the world.
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