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Women's World Cup to expand to 24 teams in 2015

Thu 3rd, December 2009

Robben Island, South Africa (Sports Network) - FIFA decided Thursday to expand the Women's World Cup from 16 to 24 teams starting in 2015.

Women's Professional Soccer Commissioner Tonya Antonucci believes the decision is good for women's soccer.

"This move recognizes the continued growth of the women's game happening at all levels around the world and we applaud the decision to increase the size of the Women's World Cup in the future," Antonucci said. "The quality and depth of the women's soccer is improving exponentially worldwide and this will further spur investment by countries in the women's game.

"We know that WPS, as the premier soccer league for women in the world, is an important part of the global growth of the game and we look forward to seeing our U.S. and international WPS stars shine at World Cups in 2011, 2015 and beyond."

The 2011 tournament in Germany will remain 16 teams, which has been the format since 1999. The first two Women's World Cups in 1991 and 1995 were 12 teams.