FIFA opens the door for an even larger World Cup, with 64 national teams under debate for 2030.
Global football is on the verge of another format revolution. FIFA, under the leadership of Gianni Infantino, has confirmed that the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 national teams will be officially debated after the 2026 edition. The news has reignited heated discussions among confederation leaders, who envision a future with even greater prominence for nations from all corners of the globe.
The Current Landscape and Recent History
The 2026 World Cup already marks a historic milestone, increasing the number of participants from 32 to 48 teams. This change, the largest since 1998, comes at a time of technical growth for various national teams. However, the ambition of football’s governing body doesn’t stop there. A proposal from Conmebol, presented in 2025, suggests that the 2030 edition, which celebrates the competition’s centenary, could feature an impressive 64 nations.
The Dream of Inclusion and Logistical Challenges
Gianni Infantino‘s vision is clear: to democratize access to football’s ultimate global showcase. “When organizing a World Cup, it’s important to organize it for the entire world,” the president declared. He argues that the sport’s development in continents like Africa and Asia justifies the expansion, allowing more nations to experience the dream of competing for the world title. This inclusive philosophy, however, faces logistical and scheduling challenges that need careful analysis.
Resistance and the Impact on Football
Not all continents embrace the idea with the same enthusiasm. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has already expressed his opposition, calling the expansion a “bad idea.” Leaders from Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation also raise concerns about the sporting impact and the viability of such a massive tournament. An even tighter calendar and a higher number of matches are points that promise to generate intense debates before any decision is made for future World Cups.
