FIFA Eyes Massive 64-Team World Cup for 2030

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that a proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams will be formally reviewed following the conclusion of the current tournament. This idea revives discussions that have been ongoing within FIFA for over a year. The 2026 World Cup will feature an expanded 48 teams, a move from the previous 32-team format which was praised for increasing global participation but criticized for logistical difficulties and player workload.

The potential 64-team format for 2030 is being pushed by a coalition of South American federations, aiming to align with the tournament's centenary celebrations. However, significant opposition has emerged from FIFPRO, the global players' union, and UEFA, Europe's football governing body. They cite concerns about the already strained qualifying calendar and the impact on player welfare, projecting elite players could face between 70 and 83 matches annually.

The World Cup has evolved significantly since its inception with 13 teams in 1930. It expanded to 16 teams, then 24 in 1982, and 32 in 1998. The 2026 edition marks the first with 48 teams, increasing the number of matches from 64 to 104. The proposed 64-team format for 2030 would further increase this to 128 matches, featuring 16 groups of four teams and a 32-team knockout stage.

FIFA's rationale for expansion, including the 48-team format for 2026, centers on providing greater access to more countries and generating increased revenue. This expansion has boosted guaranteed slots for continents like Africa and Asia. Financially, the additional matches were projected to significantly increase FIFA's revenue. Infantino has emphasized that this expansion aims to give every nation a chance to participate and provides an incentive for improvement.