Overview
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed on July 12, 2026 that internal committees will formally study a proposal to increase the 2030 World Cup field from 48 to 64 teams.
- A 64-team plan would use 16 groups of four with the top two in each group advancing to a round of 32 and would raise the total matches from 104 to about 128.
- The idea has backing from CONMEBOL and South American officials who want larger participation in the 2030 centenary host plan but faces public resistance from UEFA, the AFC and some confederation leaders.
- Broadcasters and commercial partners are already weighing the extra 24 matches as added inventory that could boost rights value while leagues and player groups warn the change would worsen scheduling and player-welfare pressures.
- Any decision will need to reconcile host logistics, existing qualifying calendars that assume 48 teams and broadcast negotiations, meaning FIFA must act quickly if it hopes to change formats before qualifying starts.