FIFA to consider expanding World Cup to 64 teams, Infantino says

Another expansion for the FIFA World Cup could be on the horizon. FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed Sunday that the organization is considering an expansion to 64 teams for the 2030 World Cup.

Another expansion for the FIFA World Cup could be on the horizon. FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed Sunday that the organization is considering an expansion to 64 teams for the 2030 World Cup. "This is certainly an issue that will be looked at and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup," Infantino told Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport when asked about a 64-team tournament, per ESPN.

"When you organize a World Cup, it's important that you organize it for the whole world. It's not just Europe and South America, but the entire world, effectively. Every nation should be able to dream of taking part in the World Cup.

"We can see that the quality of the teams is extremely high, and it's getting higher and higher everywhere in the world. If you don't give smaller countries the chance to participate in the World Cup, they also lose the incentive to keep improving." The 2026 edition of the tournament, hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico, is the first to feature 48 teams.

The World Cup had 32 teams from 1998 to 2022. If a 64-team format was approved, it would have 128 total matches — 24 more than the 104 at this year's World Cup. The 2030 World Cup marks the 100th anniversary of the first tournament in 1930 and will be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain.