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The FIFA Council has approved a series of significant reforms aimed at driving forward the development of women’s football and strengthening measures to combat racism in the sport.
In a unanimous decision, the Council confirmed the expansion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 teams starting in 2031.
The move follows extensive consultations with confederations and other stakeholders, reflecting the rapid growth and increased global competitiveness of the women’s game.
The expanded format will feature 12 groups and increase the number of matches from 64 to 104, extending the tournament by one week.
Hosting requirements for the 2031 and 2035 editions have been adjusted accordingly.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that the decision is not only about increasing participation but about creating opportunities for more member associations to invest in and develop their women’s football structures.
He noted that the 2023 tournament, in which teams from all confederations won at least one match and five reached the knockout stage, set a new benchmark for global competitiveness and inclusivity.
The Council also endorsed the FIFA Strategy for Action for Afghan Women’s Football, which includes the formation of the Afghan Women’s Refugee Team (AWRT).
This initiative will provide displaced Afghan female players with support and a platform to continue their football careers.
FIFA has been in direct contact with the relevant players and will organize and facilitate the team’s operations.
Infantino described the project as a landmark initiative that aligns with FIFA’s commitment to giving every girl the opportunity to play football.
As part of its broader commitment to addressing discrimination, the Council approved a revised edition of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) that introduces a series of strengthened measures to combat racism.
These include an expanded Article 15 that incorporates the three-step anti-discrimination procedure, higher fines for racist abuse—now up to CHF 5 million—and mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable through identification and enforcement actions.
Member associations will be required to align their disciplinary codes with FIFA’s updated standards, and FIFA retains the right to appeal or intervene in cases where appropriate action is not taken locally.
Infantino described the revisions as a vital step forward in FIFA’s efforts to promote accountability and uphold zero tolerance for racism.
The Council also approved regulations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 , and reviewed preparations for the 75th FIFA Congress, scheduled for 15 May 2025 in Asunción, Paraguay.
