2030 World Cup could welcome 64 nations, says FIFA chief

FIFA President Gianni Infantino told the media that discussions are under way about expanding the 2030 men’s World Cup to include 64 national teams. The proposal, he explained, will be examined by FIFA’s relevant committees once the 2026 tournament concludes, allowing a thorough analysis of competitive balance and operational feasibility.

The upcoming 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 sides, a significant increase from the 32-team format that persisted from the 1998 edition through to Qatar 2022. The competition will be divided into twelve groups of four, with the top two and the eight best third‑place teams qualifying for a round of 32, followed by a knockout phase that totals 104 matches.

Infantino argued that the spirit of the World Cup is to give every nation a realistic chance to compete on the world stage. He noted that the quality of football is rising globally, and that restricting access for smaller associations could stifle their development. A 64‑team tournament would broaden participation, boost the sport’s global appeal and reinforce the inclusive ethos of the centenary event.

Nevertheless, organizers must grapple with the practicalities of a larger field: more matches, extended travel itineraries, tighter scheduling and increased pressure on host‑nation infrastructures. The decision will hinge on balancing these logistical hurdles against the potential for greater commercial revenue and fan engagement.

The 2030 World Cup will already be historic, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the competition first held in Uruguay. It will be jointly staged across three continents by Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, making it the most geographically diverse edition to date. If FIFA adopts the 64‑team blueprint, it will mark another transformative chapter in the tournament’s evolution.