FIFA is reportedly considering an unprecedented expansion of the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams. This will double the tournament’s size from the 32-team format used in 2022. If approved, this expansion would mark a major milestone in World Cup history, aligning with the tournament’s 100th anniversary.
World Cup Expansion: A Growing Trend
The 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada will already introduce a 48-team format. Experts suggest that a 64-team tournament is an inevitable evolution. However, the 48-team structure is expected to remain in place for at least the next decade.
2030 World Cup: A Special Edition
The 2030 World Cup is set to be a historic event, spanning six countries across three continents. The tournament will begin with matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay paying homage to the inaugural 1930 World Cup before shifting to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Under the current 48-team plan, 101 out of 104 matches will be played in Europe and North Africa over 39 days.
At a recent FIFA Council meeting, the president of the Uruguayan Football Association proposed a temporary expansion to 64 teams in honor of the tournament’s centenary. If adopted, this format would likely feature 128 matches, with 16 groups of four teams and a 32-team knockout stage. While this structure is considered more balanced than the 48-team model, it presents logistical challenges, including increased travel demands and infrastructure strain.
Could a 64-Team Format Be Permanent?
A 64-team tournament would require extensive resources, raising concerns about its feasibility for future hosts. Countries like Saudi Arabia, which is bidding for the 2034 tournament, may struggle to accommodate such a large-scale event. This suggests that the 64-team expansion could be a one-time celebration rather than a permanent change.
As FIFA deliberates on this ambitious proposal, the football world awaits a final decision that could redefine the global tournament’s future.
