The Women’s World Cup will be expanded from 32 to 48 teams in time for the 2035 tournament in the United Kingdom, Sky News understands. The decision was taken during a virtual FIFA Council meeting today.
Sky News first reported last year on plans to enlarge the tournament to match the expansion of the men’s tournament. It will take effect from 2031 when the Women’s World Cup is due to be staged in the United States. FIFA still needs to ratify the 2031 and 2035 hosts.
The 2027 tournament in Brazil will remain at 32 teams.
The UK was the sole bidder to host the tournament in 2035. The Football Association’s chief executive Mark Bullingham said in April: «Hosting England’s first FIFA World Cup since 1966, along with our home nations partners, will be very special.»
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There are hopes that hosting the tournament at stadiums across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will help grow the popularity of the women’s game in the UK. It comes following England’s success in the Euro 2022 final and 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final.
England star Chloe Kelly told Sky News last year: «The Euros here was amazing and a World Cup would be absolutely incredible. 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.»
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