FIFA president Gianni Infantino has announced that the organization will explore the possibility of expanding the World Cup to a 64-team tournament in 2030. This development comes as the 2026 edition of the tournament is set to conclude. The proposal to add 16 more teams to the competition will be officially debated by FIFA's internal committees.
The idea of expanding the World Cup was triggered by a pitch from South American football leaders. This proposal has opened the door for an even larger version of the quadrennial event. Infantino has explicitly stated that the 64-team World Cup proposal will be discussed and examined in the relevant committees after the 2026 World Cup.
Infantino defended the idea of a larger tournament, arguing that the World Cup needs to be more inclusive. He emphasized that the World Cup belongs to the whole world, not just Europe and South America. According to Infantino, expanding the player pool is vital for developing the sport globally.
The FIFA president stressed that every nation should be allowed to dream of participating in the World Cup. He added that smaller countries need to be given a chance to participate, or they will lack the incentive to keep improving. This statement highlights FIFA's commitment to promoting the sport globally.
The current 48-team World Cup, which concluded with a record-breaking fan attendance and high drama, is being viewed as a major success by FIFA. The tournament featured 104 matches across the host countries, showcasing the potential for a larger event. This positive momentum has encouraged FIFA leadership to fast-track conversations about a 64-team tournament.
The proposed expansion could effectively double the size of the tournament from its classic era. While some critics have expressed concerns about player fatigue and diluted quality, FIFA views the expanded tournament as an opportunity to promote the sport and make it more inclusive.
