IOC, FIFA announce expansion of women's soccer field to 16 teams, starting with the 2028 Los Angeles Games

The International Olympic Committee approved a proposal that will increase the women's soccer field to 16 teams, starting with the 2028 Los Angeles Games. At the same time, the IOC said the men's soccer field will be reduced to 12 teams.

“FIFA has always believed in the power of women’s football and today’s decision by the IOC Executive Board is a positive step,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Wednesday in a statement. “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. We thank the IOC for the fruitful discussions that will make LA28 a groundbreaking event, and we will continue to work with our partners to incorporate futsal and beach soccer into the Olympic program.”

At the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the U.S. women's national won the gold medal, defeating Brazil in the championship game. In the men's field, Spain defeated France for the gold.

The expansion of the women's field reiterates both the IOC's and FIFA's commitment to growing the game.

“FIFA has been working on the increase in women’s teams at the Olympics for some time," FIFA Secretary General, Mattias Grafström added. "On behalf of FIFA, I would like to thank the IOC administration for their collaboration with us over the past months to prepare this groundbreaking decision. We are very pleased with the outcome but, of course, we will continue with fully commitment our daily and sustained work across all relevant areas of the women’s game."

The reduction of the men's field from 16 to 12 teams was made by the IOC board to help push the core quota of athletes for L.A. to 50.7% women and 49.3% men - 5,333 for women and 5,167 for men - the IOC said.

The USWNT are five-time gold medalists at the Olympic Games, winning the tournament in 1996, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2024.

The 2028 Los Angeles games are just more than three years away, and qualification for the competition will begin in the buildup to the event.