Overview
- Multiple outlets report that FIFA has secured European backing for a 2029 expansion following negotiations with UEFA.
- The planned format would use representation-based allocations modeled on the 2026 World Cup, increasing places for underrepresented regions such as CONMEBOL.
- UEFA eased its opposition in favor of a larger tournament held every four years to protect the Champions League and avoid calendar congestion.
- Commercial gains and pressure from elite European clubs left out under the 32-team setup are cited as major factors behind the push.
- Formal ratification and the precise distribution of confederation slots have not yet been announced.