Talks are taking place within FIFA about expanding the Women’s World Cup to 48 teams in a move that could boost an English-led bid, Sky News understands.
There is a growing desire within the Football Association (FA) to try to host the tournament in 2031 having been unable to bring the men’s World Cup to England since 1966.
Expanding the Women’s World Cup – to mirror the growth of the men’s event from 32 to 48 teams – would put England in strong contention while facing potential rivals such as the United States.
Sky News has learned FIFA President Gianni Infantino is being urged from within his ruling council at the world football’s governing body to ensure gender parity by adding 16 teams to the Women’s World Cup.
A senior FIFA source told Sky News: “We are open minded and happy to discuss it with everyone.”
England has a major men’s event to prepare for – the men’s Euros in 2028.
But sharing that with the rest of the UK and Ireland is the model for a Women’s World Cup bid that is gathering momentum.
And it would be welcomed by Chloe Kelly, who scored the winner at Wembley when the Lionesses won the European Championship for the first time in 2022 and was a Women’s World Cup runner-up last year.
Chloe Kelly celebrates after scoring the winning goal in the 2022 European Championship final. Pic: AP
The Manchester City forward told Sky News: “The Euros here was amazing and a World Cup would be absolutely incredible.
“I think it’s everyone’s dream, of course. And as football fans, I remember going to the final of the men at Wembley (in 2021) and just the atmosphere around the stadium.
“England fans love football and we’re ready to get behind the team. So I think it’s important that we have many celebratory moments together.”
There are hopes a decision on 2031 could be accelerated, with FIFA only this year picking its 2027 hosts despite already lining up countries for the men’s event until 2034.
England defender Lucy Bronze hopes their tournaments are given a greater priority within football bodies.
“That’s what we’re trying to change in women’s football,” Bronze told Sky News.
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Lucy Bronze. Pic: AP
Few have had a better view of the transformation of the game than Bronze, who started playing in England youth teams 17 years ago and has been part of runs to three World Cup semi-finals and a final in 2023.
The Euros showed her how much of a boost a World Cup here could be – although the Americans would be a threat having stepped aside from hosting the 2027 edition.
“After winning the Euros, it completely changed the landscape again,” said the 32-year-old, who is back playing in the Women’s Super League after a spell at Barcelona.
“I think if we were to hold another tournament, it would be great. Maybe you could hold me to this, but I think it would be the best World Cup.
“I think the countries that really buy into women’s sports and into women’s football, like ourselves and the US, would be the ones who are capable of holding these amazing tournaments and we have these unbelievable stadiums available.”
England fans at a London screening of the 2023 Women’s World Cup final between the Lionesses and Spain. Pic: AP
And the spread of stadiums in the UK and Ireland would put England in strong contention to host the Women’s World Cup having shown through the WSL that the support is growing here.
Chelsea’s new French manager Sonia Bompastor is certainly impressed, having previously won Champions League titles as a player and coach with Lyon.
“Being here now for almost two months, I can feel the difference weekly between England, France, even Spain,” she told Sky News, speaking generally about women’s football in England ahead of the WSL season starting this weekend.
“I think in Europe there is no comparison between England and the other countries. I think England is the example to follow and it’s really good.”
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