FIFA to Review Proposal for Historic 64-Team World Cup in 2030
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that world football’s governing body will review a proposal to expand the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams, a move that could make it the largest tournament in the competition’s history.
Speaking after describing the newly expanded 48-team format at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a success, Infantino said the proposal would be examined by FIFA’s relevant committees before any decision is made.
According to him, the idea is aimed at giving more countries the opportunity to participate in football’s biggest tournament while encouraging the development of the sport across all continents.”When organising a World Cup, it’s important to organise it for the whole world, not just Europe and South America,” Infantino said. “Every nation should be allowed to dream of participating in the World Cup.”The FIFA World Cup featured 32 teams from 1998 to 2022 before expanding to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. If approved, the proposed 64-team format would mark another significant expansion for the 2030 edition.The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with opening centenary matches scheduled to take place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to commemorate the first FIFA World Cup held in Uruguay in 1930.
Supporters of the proposal argue that expanding the tournament would increase global participation and provide more opportunities for emerging football nations to compete on the world’s biggest stage.
However, critics have raised concerns about the impact on the tournament’s quality, player workload, scheduling and the overall length of the competition. Some football administrators believe further expansion could reduce the competitiveness of the qualification process.
FIFA has stressed that no decision has been taken and that the proposal will undergo a formal review before any changes are approved.
If adopted, the 2030 World Cup would become the biggest edition in FIFA history, involving more nations, additional matches and an even larger global audience.
