LA 2028 Olympics Expands Women's Soccer to 16 Teams, Cuts Men's to 12

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced significant changes to the soccer tournament format for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, marking a historic shift in gender representation. For the first time, the women's soccer tournament will feature 16 teams, while the men's competition will be reduced to 12 teams. This decision reflects the growing popularity of women's soccer, particularly in the United States, as highlighted by IOC sports director Kit McConnell. Previously, at the Paris Olympics, men had 16 teams compared to 12 for women, showcasing a reversal in gender imbalance that has existed since women's soccer debuted in 1996. The men's tournament will continue to include mostly under-23 players, while the women's tournament will consist of national teams featuring top female players. This change is part of a broader effort by the IOC to promote women's sports and acknowledge their expanding global presence.