by Laura Hayes
FIFA is considering a radical shake-up for the 2030 World Cup by expanding the tournament to 64 teams—a move that would reshape the event’s centenary edition.
The proposal, raised by Ignacio Alonso, Uruguay’s FIFA delegate, has sparked both interest and debate within the football community.
The 2030 World Cup is already set to be a landmark tournament, spanning three continents.
Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will serve as the primary hosts, while Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will each stage a match to honor the competition’s inaugural 1930 edition.
The potential expansion to 64 teams would push the tournament even further beyond its planned 48-team format, set to debut at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
FIFA’s Take on the Proposal
FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged the idea, stating that FIFA must “analyze any proposal that comes from its Council members.” Insiders suggest the governing body is treading carefully, given the logistical and structural challenges that a further expansion would bring.
A senior football official voiced strong opposition, branding the proposal as “madness.” Critics worry that an oversized tournament could dilute quality, strain resources, and extend the event’s duration, disrupting club football schedules even further.
More Nations, More Football
Supporters of the expansion argue that a larger World Cup would enhance global representation, giving smaller footballing nations a better shot at competing on the world’s biggest stage.
With the sport’s rapid growth in regions like Asia and Africa, an expanded tournament could accelerate football’s global development.
For now, FIFA is weighing up the potential risks and rewards of a one-off 64-team format for 2030. If approved, it would mark another historic shift in the tournament’s evolution—whether for better or worse remains to be seen.
For further reading on this topic, check out coverage from The Guardian and Reuters.
We asked ChatGPT to list all 64 countries that would play in the 2030 FIFA World Cup if the format expands to that number 🌍🏆
FIFA is considering expanding the format to 64 teams for the 2030 World Cup 👀
Do y’all think this format is a good idea? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/Kqamnn8eUl
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 6, 2025
Laura is an experienced writer specializing in sports betting and online casinos. With years of industry knowledge from her time at Freebets.com and CanadaCasinos.ca, she now focuses on providing clear, actionable insights to help readers make smarter betting decisions.
