FIFA, the organization responsible for global soccer, is considering a proposal to increase the number of teams participating in the 2030 World Cup to 64. This one-time expansion aims to mark the 100th anniversary of the event. According to individuals knowledgeable about the discussions, the proposal has drawn the interest of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This decision would affect a tournament that is already complex because it will be played in three continents for the first time in history.
The World Cup is the most prestigious and widely-watched event in sports, generating billions of dollars for FIFA. However, the competitiveness of the event has sparked conflicts among nations vying to host it and has led to allegations of corruption in the past. Granting the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia was criticized as FIFA altered its rules to allow the country to secure hosting rights without competition.
Mr. Infantino previously expanded the World Cup, bringing the number of teams from 32 to 48 for the 2026 edition. The proposal for a 64-team tournament was introduced by a delegate from Uruguay during a meeting and has left participants stunned. The decision will likely face significant backlash, considering financial and political benefits may influence FIFA’s decision-making.
Expanding the World Cup to 64 teams could render regional qualification competitions for the event meaningless. The 2026 World Cup will already feature a record 104 matches, and further expanding the tournament could make it less appealing for broadcasters. Moreover, logistics and organizing a longer tournament pose significant challenges. The World Cup was first played in Uruguay in 1930, and it was an official from that country who made the proposal to increase the number of teams.
As FIFA President, Mr. Infantino has been exploring ways to alter the World Cup format, often receiving resistance from other parts of the soccer industry. He supported the idea of staging the World Cup every two years instead of four, but the proposal was met with strong opposition. Mr. Infantino secured the FIFA presidency in 2016 following a corruption scandal and has been focused on leaving a lasting legacy. His efforts have led to disputes with leagues and player unions, who have filed legal complaints in Europe.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/06/world/europe/fifa-world-cup-64-teams.html
