U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson expressed strong support for expanding the Women's World Cup to 48 teams in 2031, emphasizing its potential to grow women's soccer worldwide. With the U.S. being the only valid bidder for the 2031 tournament, Batson noted that the number of participating teams would influence which countries might co-host. As women's soccer has seen recent expansions—from 16 to 24 teams in 2015, and 32 in 2023—this significant expansion is viewed as a catalyst for increased investment in women's sports globally.
"One of the things we hear from folks who lead federations around the world is they view the Women's World Cup as an opportunity for them to, one, make a World Cup and, two, really go compete in a way that conceivably they wouldn't be able to on the men's side."
"Forty-eight teams is something that we've been passionate supporters for. We think it would be incredible for growing the women's game."
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