FIFA Considers Expanding 2030 World Cup to 64 Teams

A proposal from Uruguay to increase the number of participating teams is under review, potentially reshaping the already complex tournament structure.

• The FIFA Council is reviewing a proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup from 48 to 64 teams, introduced by a Uruguayan delegate.
• The 2030 World Cup is set to be hosted across six countries: Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, with the latter three hosting one match each to mark the tournament's centenary.
• The proposed expansion would involve 16 groups of four teams, requiring adjustments to the tournament's format and logistics.
• FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the organization is obligated to analyze council member proposals, though the idea was met with surprise during the meeting.
• The 2026 World Cup will already see an increase to 48 teams, marking the first expansion of the tournament since 1998.

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