This week, FIFA hailed a “historic step” in women’s football after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved a proposal to expand the women’s Olympic football tournament to 16 teams at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28)—a move that finally places the women’s event on equal numerical footing with the men’s side, which remains capped at 12 teams.
While FIFA and IOC leadership praised the decision as a bold leap forward, some observers remain cautiously optimistic, asking whether this expansion is a genuine turning point or a long-overdue catch-up in a global landscape still far from gender equity.
A Step Forward – But One Long in the Making
In its official press release, FIFA framed the expansion as part of a broader vision for the women’s game, citing the success of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which featured 32 teams for the first time and generated record viewership and engagement. According to FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, the decision followed months of collaboration and is aligned with Goal 7 of FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game 2023–2027.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino declared: “More teams on the Olympic stage means more role models, more inspiration, and more impact.” He emphasized the symbolic power of this move, particularly as women’s football continues to thrive in the United States, the host nation for LA28.
Symbolic Victory or Structural Change?
Still, critics argue that expanding tournament slots is only one piece of the puzzle. While this decision does enhance visibility and opens doors for more national teams, issues of pay disparity, professional development, and infrastructure investment remain largely unresolved across much of the women’s game.
“Adding teams is great for headlines,” notes one football development analyst. “But are federations being equipped with the tools and funding to truly compete? Are players being protected and paid properly? Until we see equal conditions, these milestones risk feeling cosmetic.”
What’s Next?
FIFA’s long-term ambition also includes lobbying for the inclusion of futsal and beach soccer in future Olympic Games, indicating a broader push for football’s presence in multi-sport events. The LA28 expansion will also test FIFA’s ability to deliver a high-quality, globally diverse tournament under the Olympic umbrella.
While the 16-team format finally aligns with international expectations for equality, the real work begins now: ensuring that this opportunity translates into meaningful development at the grassroots and elite levels in nations where women’s football still lacks systemic support.
In a year where women’s sport continues to fight for parity, this announcement is a step forward—one that is worth celebrating, but also one that demands sustained accountability and action.
