FIFA Considers Expanding 2030 World Cup To 64 Teams

Proposal aims to celebrate tournament’s centenary with broader inclusion

FIFA has revealed that it will assess a proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup from 48 to 64 teams, a move that could further transform the structure of the global tournament. The proposal, which was raised during a recent FIFA Council meeting, is being considered as part of efforts to mark the 100th anniversary of the prestigious competition.

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Historic Significance of the 2030 World Cup

The 2030 FIFA World Cup carries special historical importance, as it commemorates a century since the inaugural tournament was held in Uruguay in 1930. This edition of the World Cup is already unique, as it will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, while Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay will each host one match as part of the centenary celebrations.

FIFA had already expanded the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams for the upcoming 2026 edition, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Now, discussions are underway to explore an even larger tournament for the landmark 2030 event.

FIFA’s Response to the Proposal

According to a FIFA spokesperson, the idea was spontaneously raised by a FIFA Council member during the organization’s March 5, 2025, meeting. The proposal is believed to have originated from Ignacio Alonso, a delegate from Uruguay, reflecting the enthusiasm among South American football officials to expand participation in the special edition of the tournament.

“A proposal to analyze a 64-team FIFA World Cup to celebrate the centenary of the FIFA World Cup in 2030 was spontaneously raised by a FIFA Council member during the ‘miscellaneous’ agenda item toward the end of the FIFA Council meeting held on March 5, 2025,” the spokesperson stated.

They further emphasized that FIFA has a responsibility to evaluate all proposals put forward by its Council members before making any final decisions.

Potential Implications of a 64-Team World Cup

Expanding the tournament to 64 teams would represent a significant shift in the competition’s format, requiring additional matches, venues, and logistical planning. It would also provide more nations the opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage, potentially increasing the global reach and commercial appeal of the event.

While no official decision has been made, the proposal is expected to spark debates among football stakeholders, national federations, and fans, as FIFA weighs the benefits and challenges of such an expansion.

More updates will follow as FIFA continues its evaluation of the 2030 World Cup format.