For its centenary, FIFA seriously considers a 64-team World Cup in 2030
FIFA is moving quickly toward expanding the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams, a shift that could take effect as early as the 2030 edition, exceptionally hosted across three continents.
FIFA is increasingly seriously studying an expansion of the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams, up from the 48-team format that will debut at the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The expansion idea is gaining momentum given the exceptional nature of the 2030 edition, officially hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, with three symbolic opening matches held in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to mark the centenary of the tournament's first edition, held in Uruguay in 1930.
Supporters of the expansion argue that increasing the number of participating nations would give more countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, a greater chance to take part in the world's biggest football event, while opponents warn of a potential impact on the competition's technical standard and added strain on an already congested calendar for both national teams and clubs.
FIFA has not yet announced any official decision regarding the expansion, with the matter still under review within the international body, and a decision expected in the coming months before qualifying details for the 2030 edition are finalized.
