Fifa confirmed on Friday that Women’s World Cup will expand to 48 teams 2031The year the United States is expected to host the tournament.
The move adapts the women’s competition with men’s World Cup. FIFA aims to reflect the structure of men’s tournament, which will contain 48 teams For the first time next year, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The decision comes one month after FIFA announced that it had only A candidate who offers each of 2031 and 2035 women’s tournaments: USA and UKrespective. Speculation is more than FIFA will confirm these two hosts next year.
Brazil is scheduled to host a 32-team women’s World Cup 2027serves as a bridge between the current format and the extended version.
FIFA claims that the larger tournament, with 104 matches and 48 teams, “Will significantly increase the representation, Offers more nations and players access to elite competition and speeds up investments in women’s football all over the world. “ The organization believes that enlargement will increase the game’s popularity and development on a global scale.
From 16 to 48 teams: a rapid development
The women’s World Cup has grown rapidly in recent years. As late as the 2011 edition in Germany, the tournament contained only 16 teams. This number increased to 24 in both 2015 (Canada) and 2019 (France), before it was extended to 32 for the 2023 edition, which hosted Australia and New Zealand.
The 2023 tournament served as a strong counter-argument for fear that the tournament had grown too quickly. The expanded field would result in too many weak teams, leading to oblique results.
While previous tournaments saw large scorelines, As USWNT’s 13-0 victory over Thailand 2019The biggest victory margin in 2023 was the Netherlands’ 7-0 victory against Vietnam.
Gianni Infantino stated in a press release that the tournament “Manufactured a new standard for global competitiveness.” “Teams from all confederations won at least one matchAnd teams from five confederations reached the knockout scene. “
FIFPro requires inclusive decision -making
Fifpro, Global Players’ Union, praised the expansion plan while demanding “Inclusive decision -making and cooperative planning”.
“It is crucial that the global development of women’s competitions go hand in hand with the improvement of working conditions and progress of players, as well as the development further down the pyramid,” said the Netherlands-based Union. “This is the only way to real durability, expansion and progress.”
Protect players and coaches
In recent years, FIFA has updated and improved contract protection for players and coaches during pregnancy and after childbirth. These changes underline FIFA’s commitment to supporting women in football and promote a more fair and inclusive environment. The expanded woman’s World Cup offers more opportunities. It is important for FIFA to protect the rights of players.
The expansion of women’s World Cup to 48 teams marks a significant milestone in the growth of women’s games. As the tournament continues to develop, FIFA must prioritize inclusion, fair competition and the player’s welfare to ensure its long -term success and sustainability.
