FIFA Officially Increases The Number Of Women's World Cup Participants To 48 Teams In 2031

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

JAKARTA - FIFA has officially increased the number of women's World Cup participants from 38 to 48 teams, which will take effect in 2031.

The FIFA board approved the proposal in a virtual meeting. This addition will expand representation significantly, providing more countries with the opportunity to participate, players more easily access to elite competitions and accelerate investment in women's football around the world.

"It's not just about adding 16 teams to play in the FIFA Women's World Cup, but also taking the next step related to women's football in general by ensuring that more FIFA Member Associations have the opportunity to benefit from this tournament in order to develop their female football structure from a holistic point of view," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the official FIFA website, quoted by Antara, Saturday, May 10.

The FIFA Women's World Cup, which was attended by 48 teams, will adopt a 12-group format, so that the number of matches will increase from 64 to 104 and the tournament will be extended for one week. The requirements for organizing the 2031 and 2035 editions of the FIFA Women's World Cup have been adjusted.

FIFA will further involve stakeholders in the consulting process in response to their input.

"This is an important initiative, FIFA is committed to giving every woman the opportunity to play football," said Infantino.