FIFA is considering an ambitious proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup from the planned 48 teams to 64, in what could mark the most significant alteration to the tournament format in its history. The proposal, which emerged during a recent FIFA Council meeting, was introduced by Ignacio Alonso, a council member from Uruguay, as a tribute to the 100th anniversary of the inaugural 1930 World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged the proposal, stating, “Every idea is a good idea and must be taken seriously.” He added that FIFA would “analyze it thoroughly, as we always do when our council members bring initiatives to the table.”
The centennial World Cup is already set to be unique, with matches scheduled to take place across six countries: Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. Expanding the field to 64 teams would increase the number of matches from 104 to 128, raising logistical and scheduling challenges across continents.
Supporters argue that the expansion would promote global inclusivity. “It’s a way of honoring the legacy of the first World Cup and allowing more nations to be part of that celebration,” said a source close to CONMEBOL, the South American football confederation.
However, not all voices within the football community are in favor. Victor Montagliani, president of CONCACAF, voiced strong reservations. “We are already pushing the limits of the international calendar. Adding more games puts an enormous strain on players and infrastructure,” he said, warning that the competitive quality of the tournament could suffer.
Environmental groups and sustainability advocates have also criticized the proposal, citing the increased carbon footprint from travel and logistics. Hosting matches across two continents would “greatly exacerbate the tournament’s environmental impact,” according to The Guardian.
Fans and pundits are divided. Some welcome the potential for new national teams to participate, while others worry about the dilution of competition and the prestige of the World Cup. “There’s a real risk we see more lopsided games, especially in the group stages,” said one analyst in a Prime Business Africa editorial.
FIFA has not set a timeline for a final decision, but the ongoing discussions highlight the balancing act between tradition, global growth, and logistical realities as football’s most prestigious tournament prepares to mark a century.