FIFA Considers Expanding World Cup to 64 Teams for 2030

The FIFA World Cup could expand once again, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirming that football's governing body will consider increasing the tournament from 48 to 64 teams ahead of the 2030 edition.

Speaking to Swiss media outlet Bluewin, Infantino said the proposal will be examined by FIFA's relevant committees following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.

He said the expansion would allow more countries to compete on football's biggest stage and help grow the game globally.

"Every nation should be allowed to dream of participating in the World Cup," Infantino said. "If you don't give smaller countries a chance to participate, they'll lack the incentive to keep improving."

The 2026 tournament is the first to feature 48 teams, up from the previous 32-team format used between 1998 and 2022.

Infantino described the expanded competition as a "huge success," pointing to the strong performances by teams from every continent.

He highlighted Africa's impressive showing, noting that nine of the continent's 10 representatives progressed to the knockout stage, compared to just five African teams qualifying for the previous World Cup.

The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, while Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will each stage one opening match as part of celebrations marking the tournament's centenary.

If FIFA approves the proposal, the 2030 edition would become the largest World Cup ever held, featuring 64 national teams.