The 2026 World Cup has not even crowned its champion yet, but FIFA is already considering another major revolution. According to several reports, football’s governing body is seriously studying the possibility of expanding the tournament to 64 teams for the 2030 edition to celebrate the competition’s centenary.
Is a 64-team World Cup a step too far? After increasing the tournament from 32 to 48 nations in 2026, FIFA could welcome 16 additional teams just four years later. The proposal has already sparked intense debate throughout the football world.
A Giant World Cup Under Scrutiny
On paper, FIFA’s objective is to offer more qualification spots to the various confederations, particularly South America, and allow more countries to experience the dream of competing on football’s biggest stage.
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However, such an expansion raises significant concerns. With 64 teams, the number of matches would increase dramatically, logistical challenges would become even more complex, and the tournament could last several additional weeks. Critics also fear a rise in one-sided games between football powerhouses and less competitive nations, potentially reducing the sporting intensity that makes the World Cup so prestigious.
For many observers, the move to 48 teams already represents a difficult balance to assess. Expanding to 64 could transform the World Cup into a massive competition where exclusivity and rarity gradually disappear. Combined with an overloaded calendar, player fatigue, pressure on clubs, and the risk of supporter fatigue, FIFA is walking a very fine line. UEFA is reportedly strongly opposed to the proposal. The key question now is whether the idea will remain a discussion point or become reality by 2030. For now, FIFA president Gianni Infantino appears to have limited support for the project, even within football’s governing body itself.
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