FIFA is considering a proposal to expand the 2030 men’s World Cup finals to 64 teams, a move that would allow more than a quarter of its 211 member associations to participate. The idea was introduced during a FIFA Council meeting on March 5, 2025, under the miscellaneous agenda. Ignacio Alonso, the president of the Uruguayan Football Association, reportedly raised the suggestion. FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, agreed to explore the feasibility of the proposal.
A FIFA spokesperson stated that the governing body has a duty to assess any proposals submitted by council members. While the expansion is not yet confirmed, discussions are expected to continue regarding the potential impact of adding 16 more teams to the tournament.
Since becoming FIFA president in 2016, Infantino has pushed for expanding the tournament’s size and influence. Although a proposal to hold the World Cup every two years was ultimately scrapped, FIFA has already confirmed an increase from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 edition, which will take place in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. That expansion will also see the number of matches rise from 64 to 104.
The 2030 World Cup is set to be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with centenary celebration matches taking place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. Adding another 16 teams would present significant logistical challenges, especially concerning the duration of the tournament, which would likely extend to at least six weeks. Organizing travel and accommodations across multiple continents would further complicate the planning process. Additionally, concerns about the event’s carbon footprint would intensify, given the increased number of matches and extended travel requirements.
An expansion to 64 teams would have varying effects on different confederations. In South America, the move could potentially eliminate the need for qualification rounds, as most teams would automatically qualify. This could impact the financial model for national associations, which rely on revenue from qualification matches. In Europe, up to half of UEFA’s 55 member nations could secure spots in the tournament, potentially altering the competitive balance.
Meanwhile, in Africa, Asia, and Oceania, where qualification spots have traditionally been limited, the proposal would likely be met with enthusiasm. Expanding the tournament would provide new opportunities for nations that have never previously qualified for the World Cup, increasing global representation in the competition.
FIFA’s decision on whether to proceed with the expansion will depend on further analysis of the logistical, financial, and sporting implications. While the idea has been acknowledged, discussions are still at an early stage, and no final decision has been made.
