FIFA Considers Expanding World Cup to 64 Teams Starting in 2030
Translated & summarized from Kan News by baba
FIFA is considering expanding the World Cup to 64 teams starting in 2030, following the recent increase to 48 teams. The 2030 tournament will be hosted by Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to mark 100 years since the first World Cup.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- FIFA plans to expand the World Cup to 64 teams starting in 2030.
- The current tournament features 48 teams, up from previous editions.
- The 2026 World Cup was the first to include 48 teams.
- The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
- The 2030 event marks the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup.
- Expansion aims to give smaller nations more participation opportunities.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that the organization is exploring the possibility of increasing the number of participating teams in the World Cup to 64, beginning with the 2030 tournament. This would be a further expansion from the current record of 48 teams, which was first implemented in the 2026 World Cup. The recent expansion to 48 teams drew mixed reactions, with some criticism but also praise for allowing smaller nations like Cape Verde to qualify and make historic runs in the competition.
The upcoming 2030 World Cup will be hosted jointly by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with additional matches played in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to commemorate the centennial of the first World Cup. This multi-nation hosting arrangement reflects FIFA's ongoing efforts to globalize the tournament and celebrate its history.
If approved, the expansion to 64 teams would mark a significant increase in the tournament's scale, potentially offering more opportunities for emerging football nations to participate on the world stage. FIFA has not yet finalized the decision, and further details are expected as the 2030 event approaches.
