Gianni Infantino confirms FIFA will 'examine' 64-team World Cup expansion ahead of 2030 edition in Morocco, Portugal & Spain
Goal.com • • sports
Key Points:
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino is considering expanding the World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 tournament, following the recent shift to a 48-team format for 2026.
- The 2030 World Cup is currently planned to be hosted by Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, with the latter three hosting opening matches to celebrate the centenary.
- Infantino argues that expanding to 64 teams would motivate developing football nations by providing them greater opportunity to participate, enhancing global football development.
- The proposal has strong support from South American officials, especially CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez, who envisions the expansion as a unifying global event and a way for South America to host more matches.
- However, the 64-team idea faces opposition from prominent figures like Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, and CONCACAF’s Victor Montagliani, who warn it could dilute competition quality and diminish the tournament's prestige.
