FIFA has approved a major expansion of the Women’s World Cup, increasing the number of participating teams to 48 starting from the 2031 edition.
The decision, announced following a FIFA Council meeting on Friday, comes in response to the rapid growth of the women’s game globally.
The 2031 tournament is set to be hosted by the United States, while the UK is expected to host the expanded event in 2035. The new format will feature 12 groups of four teams and more than 100 matches, aligning with the format used in the expanded men’s World Cup.
FIFA’s decision follows consultation with its continental confederations and reflects the growing competitiveness and popularity of women’s football. The tournament grew from 24 to 32 teams in 2023, and the 2027 edition in Brazil will maintain that number.
The 2035 tournament in the UK may require additional host cities and stadiums, with venues like Wembley, Hampden Park, and the Principality Stadium likely candidates. Potential future stadiums such as Manchester United’s proposed new ground and Birmingham City’s planned 62,000-seater stadium could also be included if completed in time.
Additionally, FIFA has approved a three-pillar strategy to support Afghan women’s football, including the creation of a refugee team composed of evacuated Afghan players. This team will be eligible to take part in FIFA-organized friendlies and tournaments. However, Afghanistan has not been entered into the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, meaning it is unlikely to participate in the 2027 World Cup.
Finland has been selected as one of the countries implementing European Union measures to supply Ukraine with defence materials, using funds from frozen Russian assets.
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur warns that Russia will likely shift its forces after the Ukraine war, posing a greater threat to NATO. He emphasizes Estonia's strong preparedness, including increased defense spending and rapid mobilization.
Kazakhstan is taking concrete steps toward the development of its first nuclear power plant, with the country now in the pre-project phase, according to Rinat Okasov, Deputy Director General of Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants LLP (KAEŞ).
The House Budget Committee passed a key tax and immigration bill late Sunday, overcoming opposition from fiscal conservatives. The bill, central to President Trump’s agenda, now moves to the full House, where GOP leaders face challenges balancing demands from both hard-liners and moderates.
As thousands of residents return to war-scarred neighborhoods in Khartoum, they are encountering a deadly new threat — unexploded munitions littering homes, schools, and streets — a grim legacy of Sudan’s ongoing civil war that de-mining teams say they are woefully under-resourced to address.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15, with discussions reportedly focusing on upcoming peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war in Gaza will not stop until Hamas is destroyed, following the release of US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander.
Qatar signed a landmark agreement with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday to acquire 160 aircraft for Qatar Airways, a deal valued at $200 billion. The signing took place in Doha during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations meet behind closed doors at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace at 10:00 local time today to explore security guarantees, territorial integrity and a possible ceasefire.
EU approves 17th Russia sanctions, blacklisting almost 200 shadow‑fleet ships, 30 evasion firms and 75 defence figures, banning missile chemicals and arming Brussels to strike Kremlin hybrid and operations.
The World Bank stands as one of the most influential international financial institutions, shaping economic development across continents through financial support, technical assistance, and policy guidance.
Beginning June 30, 2025, Russia will implement a new digital pre-registration system for foreign nationals entering the country under a visa-free regime, according to updated government regulations.
Finland has been selected as one of the countries implementing European Union measures to supply Ukraine with defence materials, using funds from frozen Russian assets.
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur warns that Russia will likely shift its forces after the Ukraine war, posing a greater threat to NATO. He emphasizes Estonia's strong preparedness, including increased defense spending and rapid mobilization.
The House Budget Committee passed a key tax and immigration bill late Sunday, overcoming opposition from fiscal conservatives. The bill, central to President Trump’s agenda, now moves to the full House, where GOP leaders face challenges balancing demands from both hard-liners and moderates.
Finland has been selected as one of the countries implementing European Union measures to supply Ukraine with defence materials, using funds from frozen Russian assets.
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur warns that Russia will likely shift its forces after the Ukraine war, posing a greater threat to NATO. He emphasizes Estonia's strong preparedness, including increased defense spending and rapid mobilization.
Kazakhstan is taking concrete steps toward the development of its first nuclear power plant, with the country now in the pre-project phase, according to Rinat Okasov, Deputy Director General of Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants LLP (KAEŞ).
The House Budget Committee passed a key tax and immigration bill late Sunday, overcoming opposition from fiscal conservatives. The bill, central to President Trump’s agenda, now moves to the full House, where GOP leaders face challenges balancing demands from both hard-liners and moderates.
As thousands of residents return to war-scarred neighborhoods in Khartoum, they are encountering a deadly new threat — unexploded munitions littering homes, schools, and streets — a grim legacy of Sudan’s ongoing civil war that de-mining teams say they are woefully under-resourced to address.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment