The FIFA 2030 World Cup is expected to bring in new changes at football’s biggest stage, where the best teams from around the world compete for ultimate glory.
However, the tournament is undergoing significant changes, with FIFA now considering expanding the World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 edition. This would mark a further shift from the traditional 32-team format, which was used from 1998 to 2022, to an even bigger competition than the already expanded 48-team tournament set for 2026.
While FIFA argues that expansion provides more opportunities for teams worldwide, critics believe it could dilute the quality of the competition, overload players, and create logistical nightmares. Let’s take a closer look at the potential impact of this proposed change.
Why Is FIFA Considering a 64-Team World Cup?
The 2030 World Cup will be a special edition as it marks the 100th anniversary of the first-ever FIFA World Cup, which was held in Uruguay in 1930. To celebrate the centenary year, FIFA is exploring ways to make the tournament unique, and one of the ideas floated is expanding the number of teams to 64.
According to reports, the proposal was raised spontaneously by FIFA Council member Ignacio Alonso from Uruguay during a recent meeting. FIFA has confirmed that it is analyzing the idea as part of its duty to consider proposals from council members.
The tournament is already set to be one of the most complex in history, with matches hosted across six different countries on three continents:
• Main hosts: Spain, Portugal, and Morocco
• Opening matches: Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay
Adding more teams and matches would make the tournament even larger, raising serious questions about logistics, player workload, and overall competition quality.
How Would a 64-Team World Cup Work?
The current 48-team format for 2026 is already the largest in history, featuring 104 matches over six weeks. If FIFA expands to 64 teams, the tournament would need either:
1. More groups: Expanding from the current 12 groups (48-team format) to 16 groups of four teams each.
2. An extended knockout stage: More knockout rounds to accommodate additional qualifiers.
3. More host cities: With an even larger tournament, more stadiums and locations would be required.
However, the more teams added, the longer the tournament becomes, which is already a concern given the tight football calendar.
The Pros: A Bigger and More Inclusive World Cup
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been a strong supporter of expansion, arguing that a larger tournament helps grow the game globally.
1. More Opportunities for Smaller Nations
One of FIFA’s main justifications is that many countries have never qualified for a World Cup. Expanding to 64 teams would allow more nations to participate, increasing diversity and giving smaller footballing nations a historic chance to play on the biggest stage.
2. Increased Revenue and Commercial Growth
A larger tournament means more matches, more TV rights, and higher sponsorship deals, which directly increases FIFA’s revenue. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar generated over $7.5 billion, and FIFA will likely see an even bigger financial boost if the tournament expands.
3. A Grand Celebration of Football’s Centenary Year
With the 2030 edition marking 100 years of the World Cup, FIFA may see expansion as a way to make the tournament feel more special. Including more teams and matches would create a one-off “festival of football” to celebrate the sport’s rich history.
The Cons: Overcrowding, Player Burnout, and Quality Decline
Despite FIFA’s arguments, critics warn that a 64-team World Cup could do more harm than good.
1. Decline in Competition Quality
Expanding from 32 to 48 teams was already controversial, as it risks lowering the competitive level by allowing weaker teams to qualify. Increasing to 64 teams could further dilute the tournament, with more one-sided games and less intensity in the group stage.
2. Overloading the Football Calendar
The football schedule is already extremely congested, with top players competing in domestic leagues, international qualifiers, Champions League, and other tournaments. Adding more World Cup matches would increase fatigue, injuries, and burnout, something player unions have already protested against.
3. Logistical Chaos Across Multiple Continents
Organizing a 48-team tournament in North America in 2026 is already a challenge, with travel, accommodation, and scheduling concerns. Expanding to 64 teams across six countries in 2030 would create an even greater logistical nightmare, increasing travel distances for teams and fans.
What Are the Chances of a 64-Team World Cup?
While FIFA is considering the proposal, it remains uncertain whether it will be approved.
• The 48-team format for 2026 is already finalized, so FIFA would need to radically alter its tournament structure again in just four years.
• Player unions, clubs, and some football federations could oppose the expansion, citing player welfare concerns and logistical challenges.
• However, FIFA’s financial incentives may outweigh sporting concerns, and if enough support builds from federations wanting more representation, the idea could gain momentum.
Conclusion: Will FIFA Go Too Far?
The FIFA World Cup has already changed dramatically, moving from 32 to 48 teams for 2026. Expanding further to 64 teams in 2030 would mark the biggest transformation in the tournament’s history, turning it into a mega-event that could stretch football’s resources to its limits.
While more participation could help develop the game globally, critics warn that it risks damaging the prestige, quality, and logistical feasibility of the competition.
For now, FIFA is only considering the proposal. But with football’s governing body prioritizing commercial growth, don’t be surprised if the World Cup we know and love is never the same again.
