FIFA President Gianni Infantino said committees will examine expanding the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams after the current tournament ends [1], [2].
This proposal would represent a significant shift in the global football landscape. By increasing the field, FIFA aims to democratize the sport's most prestigious event, ensuring that more nations can participate in the final stages of the competition.
Infantino said that the possibility of adding 16 teams to the current 48-team format [1] will be discussed by the relevant committees following the 2026 World Cup, which is currently being hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico [1], [3]. He said the expansion is a necessary step to ensure every nation can dream of qualifying.
"Every country should be able to dream of appearing in the World Cup," Infantino said [1]. He said that if smaller nations are not given a chance, they may lose the motivation to develop the sport within their borders [1].
While the 64-team model is the primary focus of current discussions, some reports have mentioned a hypothetical upper bound of as many as 208 teams [2]. However, the immediate focus remains on the 16-team increase [1].
Infantino also touched upon the competitive implications of a larger field. In a separate comment regarding the potential for a 64-team system, he said that such a format might even allow teams like Italy to successfully navigate the qualifying rounds [2].
The move comes as FIFA continues to navigate the logistical challenges of larger tournaments. The 2026 event already marked a transition to a 48-team format, and further expansion would require additional venues and a revised match schedule, factors the committees are expected to evaluate in the coming months [1], [3].
“Every country should be able to dream of appearing in the World Cup”
The push for a 64-team World Cup reflects FIFA's strategic goal to globalize football and increase revenue through more matches. While expanding the field provides more opportunities for emerging football nations, it also risks diluting the prestige of the group stages and increasing the physical toll on players. A move to 64 teams would likely necessitate a complete overhaul of the current tournament structure to maintain a manageable duration.
