FIFA to Expand Women's World Cup to 48 Teams by 2031

• May 10, 2025

Starting with the 2031 tournament, FIFA will expand the Women’s World Cup to include 48 national teams. This decision aligns the women’s competition with the men’s World Cup, which already features 48 teams. The expansion marks a major step in the growth and development of women’s football on the global stage.

The announcement comes as preparations continue for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted by Brazil. One of the confirmed host cities is Recife, a location with previous experience in hosting major football events. Recife’s Arena de Pernambuco was one of the venues used during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

For the upcoming 2027 tournament, the Arena de Pernambuco will host a total of seven matches. These include five games during the group stage, one match in the Round of 16, and one in the Quarterfinals. The stadium’s inclusion highlights its continued importance in international football events, and the city’s selection reinforces Brazil’s readiness to support a successful Women’s World Cup.

The increase from 32 to 48 teams in 2031 reflects FIFA’s ongoing effort to promote inclusivity and provide more countries with the opportunity to compete at the highest level. As the popularity of women’s football continues to grow, expanding the tournament opens the door for greater representation and global participation.

The Women’s World Cup has seen major progress over the years, both in terms of viewership and competition level. FIFA’s decision to increase the number of participating teams is expected to further boost interest and investment in women’s football across all continents.

With Brazil preparing to host in 2027 and the expansion set for 2031, the next decade promises to be significant for the women’s game. Cities like Recife will play a key role in showcasing the talent and excitement that women’s football brings to fans around the world.