What is the FIFA Women's World Cup?
The FIFA Women's World Cup is the world championship of women's national-team soccer, played every four years since 1991 and now the largest women's sporting event in the world. Spain are the holders (Sydney 2023); the United States are the record champions with four titles.[1] [2]
How do teams qualify?
As in the men's game, qualification runs through the continental confederations' championships and playoffs, with slots allocated per confederation and hosts automatic. Brazil 2027 (June–July) will be the first edition in South America, with 32 teams; FIFA has confirmed expansion to 48 teams for the United States-led 2031 edition.[1] [3]
Since when does it exist?
First played in China in 1991; the 1999 edition — won by the U.S. before 90,000 at the Rose Bowl — made the tournament a global property, and attendance and audience records have fallen at nearly every edition since.[2] [4]
| Season | Pool / Format | Host cities |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | — | Brazil (June–July 2027, 32 teams) |
| 2023 | Spain | Australia / New Zealand |
| 2019 | United States | France |
| 2015 | United States | Canada |
| 2011 | Japan | Germany |
| 2007 | Germany | China |
| 2003 | Germany | United States |
| 1999 | United States | United States |
| 1995 | Norway | Sweden |
| 1991 | United States | China |
Champions and hosts, last ten editions. Brazil 2027 is upcoming; 2031 expands to 48 teams.
Why does it matter?
It is the summit of the women's game and the engine of its growth — the 2023 edition drew nearly two million spectators, and the coming 48-team format will make it the biggest women's sporting event ever staged.[2] [3]
References
- FIFA — FIFA Women's World Cup Brasil 2027. Accessed August 2026.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Women's World Cup. Accessed August 2026.
- ESPN — FIFA confirms 48-team Women's World Cup from 2031, U.S. expected host. Accessed August 2026.
- FIFA — Women's World Cup history. Accessed August 2026.