"The 48-team FIFA Women's World Cup will adopt a 12-group format, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104 and extending the tournament by one week. The hosting requirements for the 2031 and 2035 editions of the FIFA Women's World Cup have been adapted accordingly."

The United States, which is the only country to bid for the 2031 Women's World Cup, likely will be the site of the biggest women's tournament in history.

FIFA has wanted to expand the women's tournament from 32 teams to match the men's World Cup which has 48 teams for the first time next year, when the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico.