FIFA discusses historic expansion for 2030 World Cup

The 100th anniversary edition of the FIFA World Cup, set to take place in 2030, could bring a major innovation: the participation of 64 teams, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

According to The Athletic, the idea is no longer just speculation, but a concrete proposal discussed at a meeting held at FIFA's U.S. headquarters in Trump Tower, New York. The summit was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, and a high-level South American delegation led by CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez. Also present were the Presidents of Paraguay and Uruguay, as well as the heads of the football federations of Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Argentine President Javier Milei was absent due to a meeting with Donald Trump.

The expansion is seen as a way to honor the first World Cup edition, held in Uruguay in 1930, and to give more weight to South American nations—Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay—which are currently expected to host just one opening match each before the tournament moves to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

Although being officially considered for the first time, the idea was first floated in March by the head of the Uruguayan Football Federation, Ignacio Alonso, during a FIFA Council meeting. However, not everyone views the proposal positively. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin called it “horrible,” while CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani expressed reservations, noting that the first 48-team World Cup has yet to even take place.

For now, everything remains in the discussion phase. The final decision will depend on balancing sporting, financial, and organizational interests among FIFA and the continental confederations.

If approved, the 2030 World Cup will go down in history not only for its centennial celebration but also as the largest football tournament ever held.