FIFA are seriously considering a 64-team tournament at the 2030 World Cup

FIFA is seriously considering expanding the World Cup to 64 teams.

According to AS, the governing body is facing growing calls to expand the 2030 World Cup, with Spain, Morocco and Portugal set to host the competition alongside matches in South America.

The idea first popped up after the South American football body CONMEBOL suggested that FIFA should relax restrictions and allow more nations to compete on football’s biggest stage. 

The proposal was viewed as an ambitious discussion rather than a serious plan. However, support for the concept is beginning to grow among several football federations.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino and other football leaders already have plans to make the World Cup more global and inclusive.

Infantino has regularly described the tournament as a celebration of world football, not just an event for the sport’s traditional powers. 

Expanding to 64 teams would create opportunities for more nations from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and smaller football regions to compete.

That shift is already beginning with the 2026 World Cup in North America, which will feature 48 teams for the first time. 

Countries such as Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan will make their World Cup debuts in the new format.

Supporters of a 64-team tournament believe football’s growth should continue in that direction. But the proposal is yet to be ratified.

FIFA is still focused on organising the 48-team 2030 competition and is not expected to make final decisions about the tournament structure until after the 2026 World Cup.

There are also questions surrounding some host venues in Spain. Malaga has already withdrawn from hosting plans, while Bilbao and San Sebastian are reportedly facing uncertainty. 

FIFA will ultimately decide which stadiums will be part of the tournament.