FIFA is evaluating a proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup from 48 to 64 teams to commemorate the tournament’s centenary. The 2030 World Cup is set to be hosted across multiple continents, with Spain, Portugal, and Morocco as primary hosts and inaugural matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay.
The proposal was introduced by Ignacio Alonso, a FIFA Council member from Uruguay, during a recent meeting. FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged the idea, stating that it warrants further analysis. However, the suggestion has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing concerns over logistical challenges and the potential dilution of the qualification process.
Expanding the tournament to 64 teams would significantly increase the number of matches and participating nations, raising questions about scheduling, infrastructure, and environmental impact due to increased travel requirements. The 2026 World Cup is already set to expand from 32 to 48 teams, marking a substantial change in the tournament’s structure.
FIFA has not yet made a final decision on this proposal and will conduct a thorough analysis to assess its feasibility and implications.
