The Women’s World Cup will increase to 48 teams in 2031 when the United States is expected to host the tournament, FIFA confirmed Friday.

FIFA has wanted to expand the women’s tournament from 32 teams to match the men’s World Cup which has 48 teams for the first time next year, when the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico.

The decision is set to add about four stadiums and cities to the 2031 hosting plan, which FIFA has said could expand to Mexico and perhaps beyond in the CONCACAF soccer region.

Brazil will host a 32-team Women’s World Cup in 2027 using just eight stadiums in eight cities which were confirmed this week.

FIFA said the bigger, 104-game tournament with 48 teams “will significantly broaden representation, offering more nations and players access to elite competition and accelerating investment in women’s football worldwide.”

The Golden City Football Club plans to join Major League Soccer’s expanding development league by 2027 and play its home games at Kezar Stadium, San Francisco mayor Daniel Lurie announced Friday.

GCGC would join MLS Next Pro, the third tier of professional men’s soccer in the United States, in 2026 or 2027. It will give the Bay Area three men’s pro teams, joining the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) and the Oakland Roots, who play in the second-tier USL.

According to a statement released by the Mayor’s office, GCFC will invest a minimum of $10 million in capital improvements at Kezar Stadium, the original home of the 49ers that turns 100 next May. The upgrades are designed to benefit all users, not just the team.

Planned improvements include a new natural grass field with modern irrigation, new seats, a state-of-the-art sound system, and a high-definition LED scoreboard.

Football

New England Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been working remotely from his home in Detroit on doctor’s orders the past few weeks and was not with the team when it opened rookie minicamp Friday.

Williams did not disclose the nature of his condition during a video call with reporters but said that he experienced a “health scare,” while adding that, “I’m away from the building, but I’m not away from the team.”

North Carolina says the girlfriend of coach Bill Belichick is “welcome” at Tar Heels football facilities amid a report that 24-year-old Jordon Hudson had been banned from them.

The university’s response followed a report by sportswriter and broadcaster Pablo Torre focusing on the relationship between Hudson and the 73-year-old Belichick. The “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast cited two unnamed sources at UNC that Hudson was no longer allowed on the Tar Heels’ field or football facility.

GOLF

Keith Mitchell followed a career-best round with a 3-under 67 on Friday and maintained a one-shot lead after two rounds of the Truist Championship.

Mitchell, who led the way with a 61 on Thursday, offset two bogeys with five birdies, including a three-hole run on Nos. 3-5, for a 12 under total at Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon Course.

Shane Lowry was undeterred by the off-and-on rain showers and posted a 5-under 65, the lowest round of the day, and was second at 11 under. Sepp Straka (67) was another stroke back.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy shot a 3-under 67 and was part of a large group at 7 under that included Justin Thomas (67), Colin Morikawa (70) and Patrick Cantlay (68).

Defending champion Nelly Korda hit her stride late on a long and soft Liberty National, making three birdies over her last five holes for a 4-under 68 and a share of the lead Friday in the LPGA Mizuho Americas Open.

Charlie Woods failed to get out of local qualifying for the U.S. Open, the second straight year the son of Tiger Woods missed out.

The 16-year-old Woods was among a record 10,202 entries for the U.S. Open. He improved from last year’s score in 18-hole local qualifying, posting a 3-over 75 at Wellington Golf Club on Thursday. That left him seven shots short of being among those who advanced to the 36-hole final stage. A year ago, he shot an 81.