FIFA Considers 64-Team World Cup Expansion for 2030
FIFA is exploring a groundbreaking proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams, marking the centenary of the tournament. The idea, raised during a FIFA Council meeting, could dramatically alter the format of the world’s most prestigious football event. If approved, the expansion would allow more than a quarter of FIFA’s 211 member associations to participate, reflecting the organization’s ongoing efforts to broaden the tournament’s global reach.
A Proposal for the Centenary
The proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams was introduced by Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Association, during a FIFA Council meeting on March 5, 2025. Uruguay, along with Argentina and Paraguay, is set to host centenary celebration matches in 2030, commemorating the first World Cup held in Uruguay in 1930.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged the proposal as an “interesting” idea worthy of further analysis. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that the organization has a duty to consider all proposals from its council members, emphasizing the need to evaluate the potential financial, political, and sporting implications of such a significant change.
The 2030 World Cup is already set to be a historic event, with Morocco, Spain, and Portugal serving as joint hosts. The inclusion of Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay for centenary matches adds a symbolic touch, connecting the tournament to its origins. However, expanding the competition to 64 teams would introduce substantial logistical challenges, including an extended tournament duration of at least six weeks and increased demands on host nations.
Morocco is already making large plans for the world cup including building the largest stadium in Casablanca and expanding the rail network across the country.
The Evolution of the World Cup
The World Cup has undergone several expansions since its inception. The 2026 edition, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will feature 48 teams—a significant increase from the traditional 32-team format. This expansion will see the number of matches rise from 64 to 104, setting a precedent for further growth.
A 64-team World Cup would represent the most ambitious expansion yet, with implications for qualifying rounds, revenue distribution, and the competitive landscape. In South America, for example, an expanded tournament could effectively eliminate the need for qualifying matches, impacting the revenue streams of national associations. Conversely, confederations in Asia, Africa, and Oceania would likely welcome the opportunity for more teams to participate, potentially leading to World Cup debuts for several nations.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the proposal offers exciting possibilities, it also raises concerns about the tournament’s sustainability and environmental impact. A larger World Cup would require extensive infrastructure, increased travel, and longer hosting commitments, potentially exacerbating the event’s carbon footprint.
Moreover, the politics of expansion highlight the differing priorities of FIFA’s member associations. European nations, which already dominate the tournament, may resist changes that dilute their representation, while smaller confederations stand to benefit from greater inclusion.
FIFA’s decision will ultimately balance these competing interests, weighing the potential for increased global engagement against the practical challenges of hosting an expanded tournament. As the organization evaluates the proposal, the 2030 World Cup could become a landmark event, reshaping the future of international football.
