FIFA to Consider Expanding 2030 World Cup to 64 Teams

FIFA will consider a proposal to expand the 2030 FIFA World Cup from 48 to 64 teams after the conclusion of the 2026 tournament, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, while stressing that no decision has been made. Speaking to Swiss newspaper Blick on Sunday, July 12, Infantino said the proposal would be reviewed through FIFA’s governance process before any decision is taken. “The World Cup should belong to the whole world, not only Europe and South America,” Infantino said, arguing that every nation should have a realistic opportunity to qualify for football’s flagship tournament. Infantino said the overall standard of football has improved across all confederations and that expanding participation could encourage greater investment in the sport by emerging football nations. He argued that broader access to the World Cup would strengthen football’s global development and provide more countries with the opportunity to compete at the highest level. The proposal comes as FIFA prepares for the 2026 World Cup, which is being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico and is the first edition to feature 48 teams, expanding from the previous 32-team format used between 1998 and 2022. Infantino described the 48-team format as a positive step, saying it has increased global representation and competitiveness. FIFA has long argued that expanding the tournament creates more opportunities for developing football nations while broadening the sport’s international reach. However, a further expansion to 64 teams is expected to generate debate across world football. Supporters say it would make the tournament more inclusive and accelerate the growth of the game in emerging markets, while critics argue it could reduce the overall quality of competition, increase player workloads and create additional logistical challenges for host nations. The 2030 World Cup is already set to be a landmark edition, with matches scheduled across three continents to mark the tournament’s centenary. Under FIFA’s current plans, Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will host the opening matches before the tournament continues in Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Infantino did not provide a timeline for a decision, saying the proposal would first be evaluated by FIFA’s committees and member associations. Any expansion would require formal approval under FIFA’s governance procedures. With the first 48-team World Cup yet to be played, the prospect of another expansion is expected to remain a key issue in discussions over the future of international football. The post FIFA to Consider Expanding 2030 World Cup to 64 Teams appeared first on Khaama Press.