FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that football’s governing body will consider expanding the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams, a proposal that could make the tournament the largest in history. The discussion comes after the successful introduction of the 48-team format at the 2026 World Cup, with FIFA now evaluating whether an even bigger competition would benefit the global game.
Speaking in a recent interview, Infantino said the possibility of adding another 16 teams will be examined by FIFA’s relevant committees after the conclusion of the 2026 tournament. He emphasized that the World Cup should represent every region of the world and provide more nations with an opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage.
The proposed expansion is aimed at increasing global participation and encouraging football development in emerging nations. Infantino argued that giving smaller countries the chance to qualify creates motivation for investment in players, infrastructure, and youth development, ultimately raising the standard of international football. He also pointed to the strong performances by teams from Africa and other regions during the 2026 tournament as evidence that the sport is becoming increasingly competitive worldwide.
If approved, the 2030 World Cup would feature 64 national teams instead of 48, significantly increasing the number of matches and participating countries. The centenary edition of the tournament will already be historic, with matches scheduled across Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, making it the first World Cup hosted across three continents.
No final decision has been made, and FIFA officials will review the proposal before presenting any formal changes. The debate is expected to generate mixed reactions, with supporters welcoming greater inclusivity while critics raise concerns about scheduling, tournament length, and competitive balance. Regardless of the outcome, the proposal highlights FIFA’s continued efforts to reshape the world’s biggest football competition for future generations.
