12.07.2026 19:20
FIFA is reportedly considering expanding the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams. Sharing his thoughts on the matter, Infantino said, "If you don't give smaller countries a chance to participate, they won't be motivated to keep developing."
FIFA has put a giant project on its agenda to further expand the World Cup, the biggest organization in football.
NUMBER OF TEAMS COULD BE INCREASED TO 64
According to claims in The Athletic; FIFA President Gianni Infantino aims to increase the number of participating countries to 64 in the 2030 World Cup. The tournament, which will be jointly organized by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with opening matches played in South America, would become the most widely participated organization in football history if this plan is approved.
REASONS BEHIND THE EXPANSION DECISION
The main reasons driving FIFA toward this new initiative include the financial success and global popularity of the 2026 World Cup, held with 48 teams. Both this worldwide popularity and the increasing revenue expectations of member federations have led the board to a new expansion move.
INFANTINO: 'EVERY COUNTRY SHOULD BE ABLE TO DREAM THIS'
Speaking to blue Sport on the matter, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that the idea of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams will be formally discussed in the relevant committees after the tournament. Emphasizing the globalization of football, Infantino said, "We should not keep the World Cup confined to Europe and South America; we must spread it across the entire world. Every nation should be able to dream of one day participating in the World Cup. If you do not give smaller countries the chance to take the stage in this arena, you deprive them of the motivation and incentive to develop in football."