FIFA considering expanding World Cup to 64 teams

FIFA is contemplating a significant expansion of the World Cup, potentially increasing the number of participating teams to 64 starting from the 2030 tournament, according to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This move follows the introduction of a 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which marked the first expansion since the tournament grew from 24 to 32 teams in 1998.

Infantino described the current 48-team format as a "huge success," highlighting the improved performance of African teams, with nine out of ten qualifying for the knockout stages in the recent tournament, compared to only five in previous editions. He believes that expanding the World Cup provides opportunities for more nations, particularly those outside traditional European and South American powerhouses, to compete on the global stage.

"Organizing the World Cup should be for the whole world – not just for Europe and South America," Infantino stated. "Every country should have the dream of participating in the World Cup. We see that the level of teams is very high and constantly growing all over the world. If you don't give smaller countries the chance to qualify for the World Cup, they will also lose the incentive to develop further."

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This issue will undoubtedly be discussed and debated in the relevant committees after the World Cup.

The idea of expanding to 64 teams was first seriously proposed in March 2025 by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL). CONMEBOL officials, including President Alejandro Dominguez, have advocated for a larger tournament, especially for the 2030 World Cup, which will mark the tournament's centenary. Initial plans for 2030 involve matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, with the remainder in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. An expansion to 64 teams could allow South American nations to host more games and potentially entire groups.

However, the proposal has not been universally welcomed. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has previously called the idea "bad," and CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani expressed concerns that further expansion could negatively impact the tournament itself, as well as the broader football system, including national teams, clubs, leagues, and players.

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Organizing the World Cup should be for the whole world – not just for Europe and South America. Every country should have the dream of participating in the World Cup. We see that the level of teams is very high and constantly growing all over the world. If you don't give smaller countries the chance to qualify for the World Cup, they will also lose the incentive to develop further.