FIFA president Gianni Infantino has revealed that football’s governing body will examine the possibility of expanding the FIFA World Cup to a 64-team tournament ahead of the 2030 edition.
According to The Athletic, the proposed expansion comes amid ongoing changes to the tournament’s structure, with the 2026 World Cup- hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico- consisting of 48 teams, an increase from 32 in previous tournaments.
Looking further ahead, the 2030 edition is planned as a unique multi-continental event, one that will span six nations across South America, Europe and Africa: South American hosts- Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay- will each host opening matches, while Africa’s Morocco and Europe’s Portugal and Spain will stage the remainder of the tournament.
The Athletic also pointed out that discussions over a further expansion were formally initiated in September 2025 following a proposal from South American delegates. Addressing the development, Infantino stated:
“It (a 64-team tournament) is definitely an issue that will be examined and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup,” while emphasizing that the competition is “for the whole world, not just Europe and South America.”
However, even if the 64-team format is eventually approved, Infantino may not be in office to oversee its implementation, as his current tenure as FIFA president is set to conclude in 2027 during the congress scheduled for March 18 in Rabat, Morocco- unless he secures an additional term in charge of world football.
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