Infantino suggests 64-team World Cup for 2030
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has floated the idea of expanding the 2030 World Cup to include 64 teams. This potential increase in participating nations was revealed by the governing body's president.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has indicated that the 2030 World Cup could see a significant expansion in the number of participating teams, potentially reaching 64 nations. This suggestion comes from the head of world football's governing body, hinting at a possible shift in the tournament's format.
While details remain scarce, the proposal suggests a substantial increase from the current 32-team format that has been standard for several recent World Cups. The 2026 tournament, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is already scheduled to grow to 48 teams, marking the first expansion.
Infantino's comments suggest that FIFA is considering further growth for future editions beyond 2026. The implications of such an expansion on tournament scheduling, infrastructure, and competitive balance are likely to be significant considerations for the organization.
Expanding the World Cup to 64 teams is a bold move that prioritizes global inclusivity over on-field quality, a characteristic FIFA often champions.
