Reggae Girlz head coach Hubert Busby Jr has praised the recent decision by FIFA to expand the Women’s World Cup to 48 teams, calling the decision a major win for women’s football.
In a decision made yesterday, FIFA announced that starting in 2031, the Women’s World Cup would be increased from 32 teams to 48.
The move would see the women’s competition adopting the same format as the men’s, which is set to introduce the 48-team format in 2026.
Busby applauded the increase, saying it will help with the growth of the women’s sport by encouraging federations around the world to further invest in their women’s programmes.
“This is a fantastic development and obviously, we must give credit to the governing body for recognising the need to expand the tournament,” Busby said.
“It will only help to grow the women’s game exponentially, and it’s a welcome and great news,” he continued.
“If you look around, every federation now is investing heavily in their girls’ and women’s game and understanding the benefits that come with it, both as a nation and a societal point of view. It is really important that opportunities are given to young girls.”
RAISING THE STANDARDS
Busby said the increase would not only have an impact on the quality of women’s football on the field, but also on the administrative staff supporting the teams.
He called for an increase in attention for youth football in Jamaica to ensure the programme can continue to produce and recruit elite talent.
“Again, it is great news and a welcome development. For us, it is important that we continue to invest in the youth and grassroots level so we can expand the pool of young girls playing in Jamaica,” he urged.
“It is not just about the player’s side, but on the other things that will come forth. We will see more coaches, more administrators, team doctors and all the other things that come along with the growth of the women’s game.”
The 2027 Women’s World Cup, set to be held in Brazil, will be the final staging to keep the current 32-team format before the increase.
The host nations for the 2031 and 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cups are yet to be decided.