<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/fifa/">FIFA</a> confirmed on Friday that the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/womens-world-cup/">Women’s World Cup</a> will expand to 48 teams in 2031, the year the United States is expected to host the tournament.



The move aligns the women’s competition with the men’s World Cup. FIFA is aiming to mirror the structure of the men’s tournament, which will feature 48 teams for the first time next year, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.



The decision comes a month after FIFA announced it had only one candidate bidding for each of the 2031 and 2035 women’s tournaments: the United States and the United Kingdom, respectively. Speculation is rife that FIFA will confirm these two hosts next year.



Brazil is slated to host a 32-team Women’s World Cup in 2027, serving as a bridge between the current format and the expanded version.



FIFA argues that the larger tournament, featuring 104 matches and 48 teams, “will significantly increase representation, offering more nations and players access to elite competition and accelerating investment in women’s soccer worldwide.” The organization believes expansion will boost the game’s popularity and development on a global scale.



<h3>From 16 to 48 teams: A rapid evolution</h3>



The Women’s World Cup has grown rapidly in recent years. As recently as the 2011 edition in Germany, the tournament featured only 16 teams. That number increased to 24 in both 2015 (Canada) and 2019 (France), before expanding to 32 for the 2023 edition, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.



The 2023 tournament served as a strong counter-argument to fears that the tournament had grown too quickly. The expanded field would result in too many weak teams, leading to lopsided results.



While previous tournaments saw large scorelines, such as the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/USWNT/">USWNT</a>‘s 13-0 victory over Thailand in 2019, the largest margin of victory in 2023 was the Netherlands’ 7-0 win against Vietnam.



Gianni Infantino stated, in a press release that, the tournament “established a new standard for global competitiveness.” “Teams from all confederations won at least one match, and teams from five confederations reached the knockout stage.”



<h3>FIFPRO Calls for Inclusive Decision-Making</h3>



FIFPRO, the global players’ union, praised the expansion plan while calling for “inclusive decision-making and cooperative planning”.



“It is crucial that the global development of women’s competitions goes hand-in-hand with the improvement of working conditions and the advancement of players, as well as development further down the pyramid,” said the Netherlands-based union. “This is the only path towards true sustainability, expansion and progress.”



<h3>Protecting Players and Coaches</h3>



In recent years, FIFA has updated and improved contractual protections for players and coaches during pregnancy and after childbirth. These changes underscore FIFA’s commitment to supporting women in soccer and promoting a more equitable and inclusive environment. The expanded Women’s World Cup offers more opportunities. It is essential for FIFA to protect players’ rights.



The expansion of the Women’s World Cup to 48 teams marks a significant milestone in the growth of the women’s game. As the tournament continues to evolve, FIFA must prioritize inclusivity, fair competition, and player welfare to ensure its long-term success and sustainability.

FIFA confirms expansion of Women's World Cup to more teams in 2031, USA as a possible host

FIFA confirms expansion of Women's World Cup to more teams in 2031, USA as a possible host - World Soccer Talk

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Following the successful hosting of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/">2026 men’s World Cup</a> across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, FIFA is considering North America as a potential venue for the 2031 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/womens-world-cup/">Women’s World Cup</a>. This consideration reflects the region’s growing soccer market and existing infrastructure. However, the final decision hinges on meeting specific requirements and aligning the tournament with the international sporting calendar.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/fifa/">FIFA</a> has mandated that CONCACAF federations must demonstrate significant progress in developing women’s soccer to be considered as hosts for the 2031 Women’s World Cup. This emphasis on women’s football development underscores FIFA’s commitment to promoting gender equality and growth within the sport. The requirement is designed to ensure that the tournament contributes to the broader development of the women’s game.



With the 2027 Women’s World Cup set to take place in Brazil, North America is well-positioned to bid for the 2031 tournament. FIFA’s policy of rotating host confederations gives CONCACAF a considerable advantage over other regions. The opportunity to host the tournament would allow North America to further establish its position as a global hub for soccer.



<h2>Potential expansion of World Cup and FIFA’s financial support</h2>



FIFA is exploring expanding the number of participating teams in the Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48. Hosting the tournament in North America could facilitate this expansion, given its vast infrastructure. To support CONCACAF federations in meeting the development requirements, FIFA is offering financial assistance through its Forward Programme. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/03/19140027/Womens-World-Cup-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-560896" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



Each federation can receive up to $8 million for development projects, a considerable opportunity to enhance women’s football. The financial support will help federations implement programs and infrastructure improvements.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/concacaf/">CONCACAF</a> federations have until 2027 to demonstrate progress and secure funding to meet FIFA’s requirements. FIFA’s decision will be made in the following years, with a successful bid potentially leading to a landmark Women’s World Cup featuring a record number of teams. The opportunity to host this event will significantly improve the profile of the women’s game in the region. The decision to expand the tournament to 48 teams would transform the event.

Another World Cup in the USA? The requirement FIFA requested and the target date

Another World Cup in the USA? The requirement FIFA requested and the target date - World Soccer Talk

FOX has set itself as the home of international soccer in the United States with media rights for the men’s and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/womens-world-cup-tv-schedule/">women’s World Cup</a>. The broadcaster has the rights to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">men’s World Cup</a> through the 2026 tournament, which shapes up to be historic for those in the United States. However, after that, there is uncertainty. FOX has locked up the rights to the Copa America, European Championship and Gold Cup. Yet, other broadcasters will challenge FOX when it comes to the World Cup on both the men’s and women’s sides.



The next batch of media rights regarding the World Cup is the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/media-giants-battle-for-womens-world-cup-2027-us-tv-rights-20230605-WST-436081.html">2027 Women’s tournament</a> in Brazil. Starting early in 2025, FIFA will field bids from different broadcasters to be the TV or streaming home of the tournament. John Ourand of Puck said there will be heightened interest from various American broadcasters. There are not many media rights offerings on the table, regardless of sport. Broadcasters looking to make a splash could thus turn to the Women’s World Cup as a chance to expand. 



“Given the growth in women’s sports, the popularity of the U.S. Women’s National Team, and the lack of significant rights on the market, it’s a good bet that FIFA will generate a ton of interest,” Ourand said in his newsletter.



That begs the question as to which broadcasters would challenge FOX in this endeavor. According to Ourand, the principal candidates are NBC and ESPN. CBS, which has made considerable headway in soccer for both men’s and women’s competitions, could throw its name in the ring, too. However, there is currently uncertainty at CBS because of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tv/whats-the-plan-for-paramount-now-after-skydance-takeover/">Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount</a>. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/16031333/2023-Womens-WOrld-CUp-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-535236" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



<h2>ESPN, NBC to battle FOX for World Cup rights</h2>



NBC’s and ESPN’s goals differ greatly from those of FOX, which has based its soccer coverage on linear TV. The World Cups in 2022 and 2023 had full coverage available on FOX or Fox Sports 1. The same mostly applied to the European Championship, which sublicensed five games in the group stage exclusive to Fubo. 



Meanwhile, ESPN and NBC have built up their digital and streaming content to make that the focus of their coverage. Adding something like the 2027 Women’s World Cup could add to their impressive arrays of content that presently exist on streaming platforms. 



“After all, sports media executives have consistently pointed to soccer programming as an effective customer-acquisition tool for their streaming services—the rights aren’t backbreakingly expensive, the market is global, etcetera—and so the Women’s World Cup should be especially valuable to ESPN, which is launching a direct-to-consumer service next year, and NBC, which is trying to build out Peacock around live content,” wrote Ourand.



As Ourand notes, the Women’s World Cup rights are not overly costly. Therefore, NBC and ESPN may not have to break the bank to acquire these rights. There is an argument that this could also set a precedent for the men’s World Cup. For example, FOX may be inclined to pay more for the Women’s World Cup rights. That may open the door for other broadcasters to target the 2030 men’s World Cup, a tournament FOX does not currently have the rights to.



Note that the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was the first time that the broadcasting rights to the tournament were sold separately from the men’s World Cup.



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Who are FOX's competitors for World Cup media rights in USA?

FOX has set itself as the home of international soccer in the United States with media rights for the men's and women's World Cup.

Now that the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) has completed all of its games for the 2023 calendar year, it’s time to look at how the USWNT 2023 attendance did.



In 2023, the USWNT averaged an attendance of 17,961. That came throughout 12 home games in friendlies and the She Believes Cup. Averaging just shy of 18,000 fans at its home games was the team’s best tally since 2019. That year, also a Women’s World Cup year, saw 25,122 fans attend games on average. Therefore, while the attendance in 2023 was an improvement over the last three years, it is a significant drop-off from four years ago.



The following list of games breaks down the attendance at each of the USWNT’s games throughout 2023.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Date</td><td>Competition</td><td>Opponent</td><td>Stadium</td><td>Attendance</td></tr><tr><td>February 16</td><td>She Believes Cup</td><td>Canada</td><td>Exploria Stadium</td><td>14,697</td></tr><tr><td>February 19</td><td>She Believes Cup</td><td>Japan</td><td>Geodis Park</td><td>25,471</td></tr><tr><td>February 22</td><td>She Believes Cup</td><td>Brazil</td><td>Toyota Stadium</td><td>17,784</td></tr><tr><td>April 8</td><td>Friendly</td><td>Republic of Ireland</td><td>Q2 Stadium</td><td>20,593</td></tr><tr><td>April 11</td><td>Friendly</td><td>Republic of Ireland</td><td>CityPark</td><td>22,294</td></tr><tr><td>July 9</td><td>Friendly</td><td>Wales</td><td>PayPal Park</td><td>18,000</td></tr><tr><td>September 21</td><td>Friendly</td><td>South Africa</td><td>TQL Stadium</td><td>22,016</td></tr><tr><td>September 24</td><td>Friendly</td><td>South Africa</td><td>Soldier Field</td><td>25,622</td></tr><tr><td>October 26</td><td>Friendly</td><td>Colombia</td><td>America First Field</td><td>13,058</td></tr><tr><td>October 29</td><td>Friendly</td><td>Colombia</td><td>Snapdragon Stadium</td><td>16,202</td></tr><tr><td>December 2</td><td>Friendly</td><td>China</td><td>DRV PNK Stadium</td><td>8,768</td></tr><tr><td>December 5</td><td>Friendly</td><td>China</td><td>Toyota Stadium</td><td>11,024</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2>USWNT attendance in 2023 lower than last two Women’s World Cup years</h2>



While the USWNT attendance in 2023 was up compared to the last few years, it pales in comparison to the previous two Women’s World Cup years in 2019 and 2015. There are two key reasons for those differences.



First, the USWNT turned in its worst-ever performance at the Women’s World Cup. The side did not get the Victory Tour it hoped for. In 2015, the USWNT had nine home friendlies following their championship in Canada. Four of those games drew over 30,000 fans. One of those four drew over 40,000. In 2019, it had a seven-game Victory Tour. Another four games drew over 30,000 fans. Once again, one cracked the 40,000 mark.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/16052015/USWNT-fans-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-476435" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



Second, they did not have a send-off series of games prior to their departure for Australia and New Zealand. In 2015, Jill Ellis’ side played three games in the lead-up to the Women’s World Cup, all of which were sellouts. Four years later, the USWNT had a similar three-game send-off series with three fabulous crowds. This year they had just one send-off game. That deprived the team of the support it has reliably had the last two Women’s World Cup years. It’s also worth noting that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/send-off-series-games-are-happening-less-often-for-us-soccer-20230718-WST-442344.html">the lack of send-off games is not unique to the USWNT</a>.



<h2>New MLS stadiums getting plenty of USWNT games too</h2>



As has been the case with the USMNT in the last few years, the newest MLS stadiums are getting plenty of USWNT team games as well. 



Four of the venues used by the USWNT in 2023 are MLS stadiums that opened in the last three years. Geodis Park in Nashville opened in 2022. The Nashville SC stadium hosted its first USWNT game in February. Q2 Stadium in Austin opened in 2021. In April, it welcomed the USWNT for the second time against Ireland. CityPark in St. Louis opened this year and hosted its first USWNT game in April. Finally, TQL Stadium in Cincinnati got in on hosting the USWNT in September with their second USWNT game.



<h2>USWNT with opportunity</h2>



The next several years will be paramount for the game of soccer in the United States. Copa America in 2024, Club World Cup in 2025, and World Cup in 2026. 



Following those tournaments, the next opportunity for the USWNT comes in 2028 with the Olympics in LA. Additionally, on December 8, 2023, US Soccer announced a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2027-womens-world-cup-bids-come-down-to-the-wire-20231209-WST-476004.html">bid to co-host</a> the 2027 Women’s World Cup with Mexico. Should it be successful, the US would be the first nation to host the Women’s World Cup three times (having previously hosted in 1999 and 2003).



Hosting the World Cup in 1994 was a seminal moment in the history of the USMNT, much the same way that hosting the Women’s World Cup in 1999 was a seminal moment in the history of the USWNT. Should they <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/recommended-us-venues-to-co-host-the-2027-womens-world-cup-20230816-WST-450107.html">get another one on home soil</a>, support for the team could reach a high.



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USWNT 2023 attendance best since 2019

UWSNT attendance in 2023 rose compared to 2022. However, the side did have the benefit of the Women's World Cup over the summer.

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Brazil confirmed its intention to submit a bid as a host for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The South American nation joins a host of other countries vying to host the top women’s soccer tournament in the world. South Africa submitted a bid out of Africa, while a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/surprising-joint-bid-to-rival-us-as-2027-womens-world-cup-host-20231026-WST-465085.html">trio of Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany</a> wants to host, too. However, the frontrunner remains the joint bid from the United States and Mexico.



The deadline to submit a bid to host is Dec. 8. Then, the FIFA Congress will officially pick a host in May 2024. What is concerning for most fans of women’s soccer is the lack of a host. While the men’s World Cup has hosts planned out for 2026, 2030 and 2034, there is not a host in place for the next Women’s World Cup. The United States and Mexico announced their plan to bid in April 2023. It follows the two nations hosting the men’s World Cup in 2026 and Los Angeles hosting the Olympics in 2028.



Journalists and fans in the United States expressed frustration with the delay. They want to commit to excitement in hosting the World Cup in 2027. However, FIFA must allow member nations across the world to submit bids. The United States and Mexico remain the favorites, yes. Still, more countries are showing interest in hosting after the domestic success in Australia and New Zealand. This past summer, <a href="https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/womens/womensworldcup/australia-new-zealand2023/media-releases/fifa-womens-world-cup-2023-tm-breaks-new-records" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australia and New Zealand smashed attendance records</a> for a Women’s World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino claimed that smaller matches even drew strong crowds. 



“I was in Dunedin for Switzerland versus Philippines, the southernmost place where a World Cup match has taken place, and 14,000 to 15,000 people were attending that game in a festive atmosphere,” Infantino said. 



<h2>Brazil plans on using 2014 stadiums for 2027 Women’s World Cup</h2>



As part of its intention to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, Brazil claimed it would use the same venues as it did for the 2014 men’s World Cup. Much of the concern regarding that tournament was the wastefulness of building new stadiums that would not be used again. Some of the stadiums went to clubs in Brazil. However, there were several stories about stadiums falling into disrepair. For example, one of the stadiums became <a href="https://www.vox.com/2015/5/12/8592805/brazil-world-cup-stadiums" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a bus parking lot</a>. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/16053608/Maracana-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-467574" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><figcaption>The Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro has hosted two World Cup finals for the men’s tournament, and it would be the frontrunner to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup final.</figcaption></figure>



Brazil spent billions constructing stadiums for the 2014 World Cup. Reusing the stadiums would not only save money, but it would provide grand venues to play out the Women’s World Cup. For reference, the 2023 Women’s World Cup had six stadiums with a capacity under 40,000. The 2014 World Cup only had two, and those were 39,971 and 39,631.



On-site inspections of potential venues for each of the bids will happen in February next year. 



<h2>Can the United States still host the Women’s World Cup?</h2>



Despite Brazil’s intention, the United States and Mexico is the frontrunner to host the competition. Yet, FIFA may be inclined to send the Women’s World Cup to South America. The continent has never hosted the Women’s World Cup. In fact, South America has only ever hosted the men’s World Cup five times. Germany, one of the options to host the 2027 Women’s World Cup in a joint bid and the United States have both hosted multiple Women’s World Cups. 



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Brazil joins several nations in bid for 2027 Women's World Cup

Brazil confirmed its intention to submit a bid as a host for the 2027 Women's World Cup, making it a rival to the United States and Mexico.

FIFA issued a three-year ban to Luis Rubiales, the former chief of the Spain Football Association. The decision comes after <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fifa-opens-investigation-into-spanish-football-president-20230824-WST-451854.html">FIFA opened an investigation</a> into Rubiales in August, which was just days after the first concerns arose. Rubiales previously served <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fifa-suspends-rubiales-for-unwanted-kiss-with-player-20230826-WST-452223.html">a 90-day provisional suspension</a> connected to the misogynistic comments and actions he made toward the Spain women’s team. 



Now, FIFA is taking it one step further. The world governing body of the sport said Rubiales breached Article 13 of the <a href="https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/59dca8ae619101cf/original/FIFA-Disciplinary-Code-2023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FIFA Disciplinary Code</a>. That portion cites offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play. In other words, that protects the basic rules of decent conduct and ‘behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute’. FIFA deemed Rubiales’ comments and actions toward the Spain women’s team after the Women’s World Cup broke those principles.



At the time, Spain had just won the Women’s World Cup. However, Rubiales captured the headlines for the way <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/chief-of-spain-fa-takes-focus-for-bizarre-world-cup-moment-20230820-WST-451187.html">he kissed his players during the celebration</a>, particularly forward Jenni Hermoso. After that, more accusations emerged over comments Rubiales made about marrying Hermoso. The Spanish women’s team actively protested Rubiales’ status with the side. For example, Jenni Hermoso said she felt vulnerable because of Rubiales’ actions. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mother-of-rfef-president-rubiales-weirdly-protests-sons-status-20230828-WST-452409.html">Rubiales’ mother took exception</a> to that, and she demanded Hermoso tell the ‘truth’ of the events.



In the end, it was a major debacle for the Spanish FA after the women’s side won the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Politicians got involved and eventually helped to oust Rubiales from the Spanish FA, as he resigned in September.



<h2>FIFA bans Luis Rubiales from all activities, not just Spain</h2>



This ban does not just rule Rubiales out of positions in Spanish soccer. As the ban comes from FIFA, Rubiales cannot partake in any soccer activities. That includes working in other Federations or even other clubs. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/16053900/Rubiales-Hermoso-kiss-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-465878" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div><figcaption>Cameras captured Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s victory in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.</figcaption></figure>



Rubiales can protest the decision. FIFA stated the executive has 10 days to request FIFA publicly publish the motivated decision for this ban. Then, he can appeal FIFA’s decision to ban him from all soccer activities. 



“FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respecting and protecting the integrity of all people and ensuring that the basic rules of decent conduct are upheld,” FIFA stated.



<h2>Rubiales scandal had massive reverberations in Spain FA</h2>



Rubiales was not the only person to suffer from his actions following the World Cup this past summer. While Spain was entrenched in controversy <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/spain-womens-team-players-resign-over-issues-with-head-coach-20220923-CMS-401018.html">before the competition with players resigning</a>, the reaction to the end of the Women’s World Cup led to a major overhaul. 



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/spain-sacks-womens-head-coach-vilda-after-world-cup-win-20230905-WST-454202.html">Spain sacked the head coach of the women’s team</a>, Jorge Vilda, after winning the World Cup. The Federation cited his previous treatment of players entering the competition. Then, the tumultuous atmosphere after Rubiales forced Spain to make widespread changes. 



As part of its motion to clean its reputation, Spain hired the first women’s coach in its national team’s history. Montserrat Tome will oversee the Spain women’s team. She will be the coach to help Spain rebuild and defend its Women’s World Cup title. 



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FIFA bans disgraced Spain FA Luis Rubiales for three years

FIFA issued a three-year ban to Luis Rubiales, the former President of the Spain Football Association who made headlines this summer.

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