Expanded Women's World Cup good news for Ireland's hopes

The FIFA Council is understood to have voted on Friday to expand the competition from the 2031 finals onwards.

MORE TEAMS: Katie McCabe celebrates with teammates after scoring the Republic of Ireland's first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

Ireland’s chances of returning to the Women’s World Cup in 2031 have been boosted by Fifa expanding the tournament to 48 teams.

The world governing body’s council is understood to have voted on Friday to expand the competition from the 2031 finals onwards.