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FIFA to Weigh 64‑Team World Cup for 2030

Expanding to 64 teams would broaden access for smaller nations, requiring committees to assess logistics and player welfare before any Council decision.

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Overview

  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Sunday that relevant FIFA committees will examine a proposal to expand the men’s World Cup from 48 to 64 teams for the 2030 tournament.
  • The 2030 hosts are set to be Spain, Portugal and Morocco with centenary matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, a split that helps explain CONMEBOL’s formal support for expansion.
  • Supporters say more spots would give African, Asian and smaller nations realistic qualification chances and grow the game worldwide.
  • Critics and former officials have accused FIFA of pushing expansion for commercial gain and warned it could dilute quality, with UEFA president Alexander Ceferin calling it a bad idea and former referee Keith Hackett calling it a commercial grab.
  • A move to 64 teams would raise total matches from about 104 to roughly 128, creating major strains on scheduling, stadiums and player workload, and any change must clear committee reviews and a future FIFA Council vote with no timetable set.