Fifa rapidly accelerates plan to expand World Cup to 64 teams from 2030 tournament
Fifa is rapidly examining an expansion of the men’s World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 tournament, only months after the 48-team format debuted in 2026. The governing body has commissioned a fast-track assessment of the commercial and sporting effects, suggesting a decision could be made this year; the proposal is likely to deepen concern about Fifa’s governance and the tournament’s growing scale.
The successful research agency will be chosen on 14 August and must report by 11 September, after submitting proposals by 7 August. The assessment will cover projected ticketing, sponsorship and media-rights income, stakeholder support, player welfare, product quality and calendar pressures. Uefa and Concacaf oppose further expansion, while Conmebol has supported it; the 2030 tournament is due to be hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain, with anniversary matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
- Fifa is considering a 64-team World Cup from 2030.
- Research must be completed within four weeks.
- European and North American confederations oppose further expansion.
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The men’s World Cup is an international football tournament run by Fifa, football’s global governing body. National teams qualify through regional competitions, and the tournament brings together countries from across the world to compete for the title.
Fifa has increased the number of teams before: the 2026 tournament is the first to include 48, up from 32. A larger field can give more countries a chance to take part, but it also means more matches and can affect players, the football calendar and the event’s organisation.
The 2030 tournament is planned across Morocco, Portugal and Spain, with anniversary matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Fifa’s regional confederations have differing views on expansion, reflecting questions about who benefits and how a bigger tournament could affect the competition.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Expanding to 64 teams offers meaningful benefits for global football development, giving substantially more nations a realistic World Cup pathway and bringing the tournament's prestige and investment to developing regions. The additional matches generate significant revenue from broadcasting, sponsorships and ticketing that funds grassroots development internationally, whilst broader participation energises global audiences and reflects football's genuinely global reach.
The case against
A 64-team tournament risks diluting the World Cup's character as an elite competition, where match quality and competitive balance become harder to maintain as team strength varies more widely. Rapid successive format changes raise legitimate questions about governance—whether expansion reflects commercial imperatives over careful planning—and the compressed calendar presents real player welfare concerns that UEFA and CONCACAF prioritise appropriately.