**FIFA is contemplating increasing the 2030 FIFA World Cup from 32 to 64 teams, following a suggestion made during a recent meeting as part of efforts to mark the tournament's centenary.**
**FIFA Explores Expanding World Cup to 64 Teams for 2030 Edition**
**FIFA Explores Expanding World Cup to 64 Teams for 2030 Edition**
**Historic expansion under consideration as FIFA aims to celebrate World Cup centenary**
In a move that could reshape the landscape of global soccer, FIFA, the sport's governing body, is deliberating a significant expansion of the 2030 World Cup, potentially elevating the number of participating teams from 32 to 64. This proposal, intended to celebrate the centenary of the tournament, was reportedly introduced by Ignacio Alonso, a delegate from Uruguay, during a recent meeting marked by considerations of various agenda items.
The World Cup, renowned as the most prestigious and economically impactful event in sports, already faces extensive maneuvers among nations vying for hosting rights. This latest proposal has garnered attention from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has previously expanded the tournament from 32 to 48 teams for the upcoming 2026 event, set to occur in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
FIFA's expansion of the World Cup is a lucrative venture, historically generating billions in revenue, though it has also been surrounded by controversies including allegations of corruption. The decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia received backlash, with various governance organizations criticizing FIFA's changes to accommodate an unopposed selection.
If implemented, the proposed 64-team format could complicate logistics and gameplay, as the tournament would be hosted across three continents. Nonetheless, the ambition to highlight the centenary of the World Cup may drive the organization to pursue this unprecedented change. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how this potential expansion will affect the future of one of the world's most celebrated sporting spectacles.
The World Cup, renowned as the most prestigious and economically impactful event in sports, already faces extensive maneuvers among nations vying for hosting rights. This latest proposal has garnered attention from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has previously expanded the tournament from 32 to 48 teams for the upcoming 2026 event, set to occur in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
FIFA's expansion of the World Cup is a lucrative venture, historically generating billions in revenue, though it has also been surrounded by controversies including allegations of corruption. The decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia received backlash, with various governance organizations criticizing FIFA's changes to accommodate an unopposed selection.
If implemented, the proposed 64-team format could complicate logistics and gameplay, as the tournament would be hosted across three continents. Nonetheless, the ambition to highlight the centenary of the World Cup may drive the organization to pursue this unprecedented change. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how this potential expansion will affect the future of one of the world's most celebrated sporting spectacles.
