FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the organization is considering expanding the men’s World Cup to a 64-team tournament [1].
This potential shift would mark the second major expansion of the tournament in a short period. Increasing the number of participating nations could grow the sport's global reach and generate more revenue, but it also raises concerns regarding player fatigue and the quality of competition.
The proposal involves increasing the field to 64 teams [1]. This would follow the recent expansion to 48 teams [1] introduced for the 2026 tournament. Infantino said the governing body intends to capitalize on the success of the current 48-team format to justify further growth [2].
Official discussions regarding the 64-team format are scheduled to take place after the 2026 World Cup [3]. While the timing of the decision remains subject to executive meetings, some reports indicate a possible implementation for the 2030 edition [4].
FIFA's move toward a larger tournament reflects a broader strategy to increase participation from more countries across different continents. By adding more slots, the organization allows more nations to compete on the world stage, a move Infantino has previously linked to the global growth of soccer.
The logistical challenges of hosting 64 teams would be significant. A tournament of this size would require more stadiums, longer durations, and more complex scheduling than the current format. FIFA will likely evaluate the infrastructure and commercial viability of such an expansion during its upcoming reviews.
“FIFA is considering expanding the men’s World Cup to a 64-team tournament.”
A move to 64 teams would fundamentally alter the structure of international soccer. While it maximizes inclusivity and commercial opportunities for FIFA, it places immense pressure on the domestic league calendars and player health. The decision will likely hinge on the commercial success and logistical feasibility of the 48-team 2026 tournament.
