April 10 – The Women’s Olympic football tournament will expand to 16 teams for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed on Wednesday, with the men’s tournament downsized to just 12 teams.
The IOC pointed to the growing popularity of women’s team sports in the United States as a motive to change the competition format. “We wanted to do something to reflect that growth with the United States being the home of the highest level of popularity of women’s football,” said IOC sports director Kit McConnell.
At last week’s UEFA Congress in Belgrade, FIFA president Gianni Infantino had already foreshadowed the tournament expansion, and he welcomed the official confirmation on Wednesday.
“FIFA has always believed in the power of women’s football and today’s decision by the IOC Executive Board is a positive step,” he said. “Our vision is clear: we are investing in and expanding opportunities for women’s football at every level.
“More teams on the Olympic stage means more role models, more inspiration and more impact.
“This development reflects our shared understanding that women’s football deserves greater representation and visibility at the Olympic Games.”
At the Games in Paris last year, the men’s tournament still featured 16 teams, four more than in the women’s tournament, with Spain defeating France 5-3 in a spectacular final. The structures had been unequal since the introduction of women’s football at Atalanta 1996, however the men’s tournament is often treated as an afterthought with teams fielding U-23 players.
By contrast, the women’s tournament is traditionally considered one of the pinnacle events in the sport. The field of participants is smaller than in the Women’s World Cup and in Paris, the United States bounced back from a disappointing campaign in Australia and New Zealand to win the gold medal, defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final.
The tournament expansion follows a growing trend in the game to include more finalists. The 2023 Women’s World Cup featured 32 participants for the first time, up from 24 in the 2019 Women’s World Cup. FIFA is considering another expansion to 48 teams by the time of the 2031 Women’s World Cup, which the United States is poised to host. Next year, the men’s World Cup will be played in a 48-team format for the first time.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1744960982labto1744960982ofdlr1744960982owedi1744960982sni@i1744960982tnuk.1744960982ardni1744960982mas1744960982