FIFA Set to Debate 64-Team Expansion for 2030 World Cup

FIFA is preparing to evaluate a proposal that could see the 2030 FIFA World Cup expanded to 64 participating nations, with the discussion expected to take place after the conclusion of the ongoing 2026 tournament.

The current edition, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, already marked a significant shift by increasing the number of competing teams from 32 to 48.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino believes the change has delivered positive results, describing the new format as a major success for global football.

According to Infantino, widening participation gives more countries the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage and encourages football development across every region.

He argued that nations are more likely to invest in improving their football structures when they believe qualification is within reach.

The idea of a 64-team tournament was first introduced by Uruguayan football official Ignacio Alonso during a FIFA Council meeting in 2025.

It later received support from CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez, who believes a larger tournament would strengthen the event's global appeal.

The 2030 World Cup is already scheduled to be hosted across six nations spanning Europe, Africa and South America. Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay are set to stage the opening fixtures, while Spain, Portugal and Morocco will host the remainder of the competition.

Despite growing support, the proposal has attracted criticism from several football leaders. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and CONCACAF chief Victor Montagliani have both warned that expanding the tournament further could reduce the quality of qualification campaigns and weaken the competitiveness of the World Cup itself.