FIFA is currently deliberating on the prospect of expanding the World Cup to include 64 teams for its centennial edition in 2030. This proposal, originally presented by the Uruguayan Football Association, has sparked varied reactions across the global football community, primarily due to potential logistical challenges. Hosting 128 matches within an already packed sports calendar poses significant organizational hurdles.
Recent consultations in New York involving FIFA officials and representatives from South American football associations suggest that this expansion idea is being seriously evaluated. This initiative follows the already-approved expansion to 48 teams for the 2026 World Cup, which will be predominantly hosted by the United States, with additional matches held in Mexico and Canada.
The proposed expansion aligns with FIFA’s broader strategic vision to globalize and democratize the World Cup, offering more nations the opportunity to participate and allowing the world to further enjoy the spectacle of football. If enacted, the 2030 tournament would set a new benchmark for inclusivity, though FIFA hints at reverting to 48 teams by 2034.
CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez has voiced a positive outlook, emphasizing the need for unity and innovation. He posits that an enlarged World Cup would be a powerful global celebration, mirroring the excitement building towards the 2026 tournament.
Historically, expansions of the World Cup have been met with enthusiasm, continually fostering global interest. The 1994 World Cup in the United States, featuring 24 teams, preceded the jump to 32 teams in 1998. As FIFA considers this potential new expansion, the football world keenly anticipates how such changes will shape the tournament’s legacy, further broadening its appeal to a worldwide audience.