FIFA leader Gianni Infantino stated that the organization is exploring the option of increasing the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams. This follows the rollout of the current 48-team format, which Infantino labels a total success. The 2026 edition was the first to move away from the long-standing 32-team model used from 1998 until 2022.
For the 2030 centenary event, hosting duties are spread across six nations on three continents. Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay are set to host celebratory opening matches, while Morocco, Spain, and Portugal will manage the bulk of the games. Formal talks regarding further expansion began after a proposal was submitted last September, with further review expected once the 2026 tournament concludes.
Infantino shared his perspective with Swiss outlet Bluewin, noting that the 64-team concept will reach the appropriate committees for evaluation soon. He argued that smaller nations need the opportunity to qualify to remain motivated to improve their football programs. He emphasized that the tournament belongs to the entire globe rather than just traditional strongholds in Europe and South America.
While Infantino remains confident in the expansion, the decision has drawn criticism from figures like Aleksander Čeferin and Victor Montagliani, who have questioned the wisdom of further increasing the number of participants. Opponents worry that a larger field might lower the competitive standard of early matches. If the 64-team plan moves forward, more than one-fourth of all FIFA member nations would qualify, fundamentally changing the nature of international competition.
