FIFA Considers 64-Team 2030 World Cup Expansion: Infantino Says
Key Points
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the 64-team proposal for 2030 will be examined by FIFA's relevant committees after the 2026 World Cup.
- The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams for the first time, up from the 32-team format used from 1998 to 2022, which Infantino called a "huge success".
- CONMEBOL, South America's football confederation, is championing the proposal, arguing the tournament's centenary in 2030 is fitting timing for inclusion of more nations.
Infantino framed broader World Cup participation as beneficial to the sport's development. "If you don't give smaller countries a chance to participate in the World Cup, they'll lack the incentive to keep improving," he said, arguing that the global tournament should be organized "for the whole world" rather than only for football's traditional powers.
South American Push for Centennial Expansion
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The 64-team proposal has gained its strongest backing in South America, where football officials view the World Cup's centenary in 2030 as an ideal moment for expansion. CONMEBOL, South America's football confederation representing 10 national associations including World Cup winners Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, is championing the idea.
The proposal was first raised in March 2025 by Uruguayan Football Federation President Ignacio Alonso during a FIFA Council meeting. CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez later formally presented the proposal, arguing that the centennial tournament should be more inclusive. "We are convinced that the centennial celebration will be unique because 100 years are celebrated only once," Dominguez said when unveiling the proposal.
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The 2030 World Cup is already set to be the most geographically widespread tournament in history, with matches scheduled across six countries on three continents. A 64-team format would likely increase the tournament from the current 104 matches to approximately 128 matches, according to analysis of potential structures. One proposed format would feature 16 groups of four teams with each nation playing three group-stage matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to a 32-team knockout stage.
However, the proposal faces opposition. Senior football officials in Europe and Asia have argued that expanding the tournament would make it too large. FIFA has not endorsed the 64-team proposal and stated it has a duty to consider proposals submitted by council members, but there is no indication a decision on expansion is imminent.
This marks only the second major format expansion in the modern World Cup era — the previous change occurred in 1998 when the tournament expanded from 24 to 32 teams.
Why this matters: If you follow international football, a 64-team World Cup would fundamentally change how qualification works and which nations qualify. Smaller football federations would gain significantly more spots, potentially affecting which countries your team could face in future tournaments. The decision also shapes FIFA's direction on inclusivity versus maintaining competitive balance, a debate affecting tournament scheduling and broadcast arrangements for years to come.
What Happens Next
FIFA committees will likely examine the proposal after the 2026 World Cup concludes. A final decision is unlikely before 2027. European and Asian football confederations may formally oppose expansion at upcoming FIFA Council meetings. CONMEBOL may push for a vote linking the expansion to the 2030 centenary tournament timing.
Sources: AP, Reuters, ESPN, Bloomberg, BBC and other international news outlets.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Content is based on publicly available news sources.
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