Women’s World Cup to expand to 48 teams at 2031 tournament

US set to host in 2031, the UK in 2035Fifa approves strategy for Afghan women’s footballThe Women’s World Cup will expand to 48 teams from the 2031 tournament onwards after the proposal was approved by Fifa Council on Friday, the Guardian understands. The UK is set to host the event in 2035 and that tournament will now involve 12 groups of four teams and more than 100 matches, with the format mirroring the newly expanded men’s World Cup. It is understood Fifa took this decision after consulting the continental confederations and believe expansion of its most important tournament befits the rapid growth of the women’s game.The World Cup increased in size from 24 to 32 teams for the 2023 event in Australia and New Zealand. It will again have 32 teams for the 2027 edition in Brazil. The eight venues for 2027’s event – including the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro – were confirmed earlier this week. The United States is set to stage the 2031 tournament after there were no competing bids to stage either that or the 2035 event. The US and UK are yet to be formally ratified as the hosts but that is expected to be a formality. The expansion of the Women’s World Cup could mean an increased number of host cities and stadiums will be required in the UK’s 2035 tournament plans. Alongside Wembley, Hampden Park and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, it is thought as-yet unbuilt venues such as Manchester United’s new stadium and Birmingham City’s proposed new 62,000-seater home could both be in contention to host matches if built in time. Continue reading...

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Women’s World Cup to expand to 48 teams from 2031 tournament

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