The Rise of Women's Football: How 48 Teams Women's World Cup in 2031 Will Change the Game Forever

The world of football is witnessing an extraordinary transformation as the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup has reaffirmed the exponential growth of women's football. With the announcement that the Women's World Cup will expand to 48 teams by 2031, FIFA has demonstrated its commitment to fostering women's sports. This milestone not only promises to enhance competition but also reflects how far women's football has progressed in a relatively short time.

As we explore this topic further, we'll examine the extraordinary progress of women's football, the growing investment in the sport, and the wider impact on teams worldwide, especially in Asia, and whether the world's most populous nation can capitalize on this chance to lead India's women's team to the FIFA Women's World Cup.

A Brief History of Women's World Cup

The history of women's football is both rich and expansive, starting with the inaugural official Women's World Cup held by FIFA in China in 1991. By 2023, the tournament has significantly expanded, now including 32 teams, an increase from the original 12 in 1991, and from 16 to 24 teams in 2015. Looking forward to 2031, the Women's World Cup will feature 48 teams, showcasing remarkable growth, and it is anticipated to be hosted in the USA.

The path taken by men's football to reach the same milestone was significantly longer, taking more than 95 years since the first Men's World Cup in 1930. In just under 50 years since its debut, women's football is poised to achieve what took men's football nearly a century, emphasizing the rapid evolution of the women's game.

To date, only five countries have claimed victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup: the USA, Norway, Germany, Japan, and Spain. With the remarkable expansion of women's football over the past decade, the question arises: can new teams rise to become World Champions?

The Surge in Participation and Viewership

One of the most noteworthy developments has been the surge in participation and viewership of women's football. The 2023 Women's World Cup broke records, generating revenue exceeding USD 500 million. The increasing financial backing and popularity indicate a growing global interest in the sport.

With the expansion to 48 teams, we can expect to see an even broader representation of countries, resulting in a deeper talent pool and more exciting matches. This will further fuel interest in women's football, attracting fans old and new alike, and helping to build the sport's future.

The Asian Contingent: Rising Up the Ranks

Women's football in Asia has made remarkable strides in recent years. Japan's victory in the 2011 Women's World Cup marked a historic moment as the first Asian nation to lift the trophy. The strength of Asian teams was evident in the 2023 tournament, where six teams competed, including co-hosts Australia.

With the expected increase in the number of Asian teams participating in the 2031 World Cup—raising their quota to about 8 or 9 spots—the opportunity for more Asian nations to display their talent on the global stage is very promising. Currently, countries such as Japan, Korea DPR, South Korea, China, and Australia are ranked among the top 20 in women's football, while emerging nations like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand are also advancing in the rankings. These emerging countries in women's football are quickly enhancing their football structures and investing in grassroots initiatives, which are crucial elements for building a competitive future in women's football.

The accomplishments of Korea DPR in women's football are remarkable. They are the reigning World Champions in the U17 and U20 categories, ranked 9th in the FIFA Rankings, and 2nd in Asia. The top 5 teams in Asia, including Australia, are significantly more competitive than the next 5 ranked teams in the region.

Investment and Infrastructure Development

FIFA's commitment to investing in women's football is evident in the significant financial backing devoted to grassroots and youth programs. For many countries, this investment has sparked a renewed interest in developing women's football, leading to a thriving competitive landscape.

Notably, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has taken bold steps to elevate women's football in the region by launching leagues and establishing clubs dedicated to female players. The increased presence of women’s leagues and clubs signals a future where women can pursue football as a viable and respected career path.

By 2031, it is anticipated that the competitive landscape in women's football will expand further, narrowing existing gaps and justifying a 48-team Women's World Cup. Presently, there are notable competitive disparities beyond the teams ranked 30th. Allowing more teams to participate in the Women's World Cup would encourage increased investment in women's football at all levels, helping to close these gaps.

Advancing India's Women's Football: The Path to Progress and World Cup Qualification

India’s Women’s National Football Team currently holds the 69th position in FIFA Rankings and ranks 13th in Asia, reflecting a concerning stagnation over the past decade. Despite once being ranked 54th in 2016 and 53rd in 2020, the team has struggled to maintain upward momentum.

Challenges Facing Indian Women's Football

The introduction of the Indian Women's League (IWL) in 2016 aimed to enhance competitive football, yet its effect on the national team has been constrained by structural deficiencies and a lack of strong competition:

• Weak grassroots development leading to inadequate talent pipelines.

• Lack of elite youth development programs to nurture future stars.

• Limited high-performance infrastructure, restricting competitive growth.

• Minimal exposure for top players despite some participating in European leagues.

• Insufficient investment compared to men's football, affecting academy expansion, participation rates, competition depth, and financial sustainability.

  
  

The Need for Strategic Investment & Vision

If India aims to qualify for the FIFA Women's World Cup, it must implement a strategic plan with substantial investment to create:

1.    Structured grassroots programs ensuring higher participation levels.

2.    Elite player development pathways bridging the gap to professional football.

3.    Expanded domestic competitions, enhancing the competitive landscape at youth and senior levels.

4.    Better exposure through international friendlies and club partnerships.

5.    Club-driven investment—East Bengal FC has increased investment in women’s football this season, but will others follow suit?

Competing with Asia’s Emerging Powerhouses

India must surpass regional competitors such as Myanmar, Iran, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, and Uzbekistan, all of whom (except Myanmar) have significant investments in women’s football. Additionally, rising football nations like Jordan, Hong Kong, and Indonesia are improving rapidly and will add to the challenge.

The gap in women’s football rankings is smaller than in men’s. The Men’s National Team ranks 22nd in Asia, while the women’s team ranks 13th, making qualification for the Women’s World Cup a more realistic short-term goal—provided stakeholders unify efforts toward improvement.

A Strong Resolve for the Future

Success will require practical planning, increased investment, enhanced competitive environments, stronger talent development, and a unified push from clubs, federations, and government agencies. With East Bengal FC leading the way, the question remains: Will other clubs invest in their women’s teams to elevate the league’s competitive level?

A stronger league, better exposure, and enhanced development pathways can position India on the fast track to Women’s World Cup qualification by 2035/39, ushering in a new era for Indian women’s football.

The Global Impact of Women’s Football

The expansion of the Women's World Cup to 48 teams will not only have a transformative effect on the sport itself but will also inspire a new generation of women players. The visibility of diverse nations competing at the highest level can serve as a powerful motivator for young girls to engage in sports, view football as a career path, and break down gender barriers prevalent in many societies.

Increased representation will reinforce the idea that women's football is not just a passing trend but a robust and thriving area within the broader sports landscape. As more countries develop their women's programs, the competition will grow fiercer, producing exceptional talent and fostering a more competitive global environment.

Conclusion: A New Era for Women’s Football

The FIFA Women's World Cup's expansion to 48 teams is a watershed moment for women's football, showcasing the undeniable progress the sport has made since its inception. With the increase in teams and the growing investment in women's leagues across various countries, the landscape of women's football is set for an exciting transformation.

Looking ahead, it's evident that women's football will keep gaining momentum, capturing the passion of sports fans globally. The competitive spirit will intensify, and the aspirations of numerous young girls aiming to emulate their heroes on a global platform will come to fruition. Undoubtedly, as more girls participate, the sport will showcase remarkable female talents, and in the next decade, at least one iconic woman star is likely to emerge on the international women's football stage.

As women's football grows, it challenges outdated stereotypes and empowers more women to claim their rightful place in the world of sports. With initiatives in place to foster talent and increase participation, the future of women's football shines brightly—a future that is now just beginning to unfold.