FIFA Studies Expanding 2030 World Cup to 64 Teams
FIFA is exploring the possibility of expanding the 2030 FIFA World Cup from 48 to 64 teams, a move that could dramatically reshape football’s biggest tournament as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.
FIFA Studies Expanding 2030 World Cup to 64 Teams
FIFA has launched a formal study into the possibility of expanding the 2030 FIFA World Cup from 48 to 64 participating nations, potentially making it the largest tournament in the competition’s history.
According to a research brief obtained by Reuters, FIFA plans to appoint an independent agency to evaluate how such an expansion would affect tournament logistics, scheduling, broadcasting, commercial operations, and the overall competition format.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is already the first edition to feature 48 teams, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104.
The latest proposal, officially backed by CONMEBOL, aims to expand the centennial 2030 tournament to 64 teams, allowing more nations to participate in the historic edition celebrating 100 years of the FIFA World Cup.
Supporters argue that a larger tournament would promote greater global participation, while critics warn it could place additional pressure on players, club schedules, host nations, and the international football calendar.
The expansion study comes at a time when FIFA is also facing criticism over broader commercial reforms, including plans to introduce external investment into its major competitions.
FIFA says the final decision will be based on the findings of the independent assessment before determining whether the 2030 World Cup should feature 64 teams.
