FIFA to consider expanding 2030 World Cup to 64 teams

FIFA has confirmed it will examine the possibility of expanding the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 national teams.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the proposal will be reviewed by the organization's relevant committees after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

According to The Athletic, the idea is gaining support from several football officials in South America, while facing strong opposition from European football leaders.

Infantino argued that expanding the tournament would give more countries the opportunity to dream of qualifying for the World Cup while promoting the global development of football.

"Every nation should have the opportunity to dream of participating in the World Cup. If smaller countries are not given that chance, they lose motivation to improve," Infantino said.

He also described the 48-team format, which will debut at the 2026 World Cup, as "100 percent a success."

However, the proposal has sparked considerable debate.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin called the idea "a bad one," arguing that a further expansion would weaken both the World Cup itself and the European qualifying competition.

CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani echoed those concerns, saying that a 64-team tournament "is not a good idea."

Supporters of the proposal, including CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez, argue that a larger tournament would further unite the global football community and give more nations and continents the opportunity to participate in the world's biggest sporting event.

If approved, the 2030 FIFA World Cup would feature a record 64 teams. The tournament will be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, while the opening matches will be played in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to mark the 100th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup.

A final decision is expected to be made by FIFA's governing bodies after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, according to The Athletic.

Photo: FIFA