FIFA is considering another major expansion of the FIFA World Cup, with President Gianni Infantino saying every nation should have the opportunity to dream of competing on football’s biggest stage.
The proposal, which could increase the number of participating teams from 48 to 64 for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, is expected to be discussed by FIFA’s governing bodies after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking on the possibility, Infantino said expanding the tournament aligns with FIFA’s vision of making football more inclusive by giving more countries a realistic pathway to qualify for the global showpiece.
“Every country deserves to have a chance to dream of being at the tournament,” the FIFA president said, stressing that football’s growth depends on creating opportunities for nations across every continent.
According to him, the World Cup should continue to evolve in a way that reflects the game’s global appeal rather than remaining exclusive to a handful of traditional football powers.
The proposed expansion comes even before the first 48-team FIFA World Cup is played. The new format will debut at the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, making it the largest World Cup in history.
If approved, the 2030 edition would raise the bar even further by featuring 64 national teams, significantly increasing the number of participating countries and matches.
Supporters of the proposal argue that a larger tournament would provide greater opportunities for developing football nations, promote the sport in emerging markets and strengthen FIFA’s objective of making football truly global.
However, the suggestion has also sparked debate within the football community.
Critics believe a further expansion could affect the overall quality of competition, increase fixture congestion, place additional demands on players and create fresh logistical challenges for host nations.
The 2030 FIFA World Cup will hold special significance as it marks the 100th anniversary of the tournament. The competition will be hosted primarily by Morocco, Portugal and Spain, while Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will stage the opening centenary matches in recognition of the inaugural World Cup held in Uruguay in 1930.
Despite growing speculation, FIFA has emphasised that no final decision has been taken on the proposed expansion. The football governing body said the idea will undergo comprehensive discussions and assessment before any formal approval is considered.
Should the proposal receive the backing of FIFA’s Council and member associations, the centenary edition of the World Cup would become the biggest tournament ever staged, opening the door for more nations to compete on football’s grandest stage than at any other time in history.
