FIFA Considering Another Major World Cup Expansion for 2030

FIFA could expand the men's World Cup once again after introducing its new 48-team tournament, with President Gianni Infantino confirming that a 64-team competition will be considered for the 2030 event. According to…

Andrew PowellJul 13, 20263 min read

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Infantino argued that expanding the field gives developing soccer nations more incentive to improve, saying the overall quality of teams continues to rise across every region.

"If you don't give smaller countries a chance to participate in the World Cup, they'll lack the incentive to keep improving," he said.

The 48-team format increased the number of nations advancing beyond the group stage, with 32 of the 48 teams reaching the knockout rounds.

While some critics argued that the tournament reduced the pressure during group play, the tournament also produced several notable underdog performances.

Cape Verde advanced out of its group before narrowly falling to Argentina in the Round of 32. The Democratic Republic of the Congo also turned heads by pushing England in the same round.

Infantino pointed to the competitiveness of those teams as evidence that expanding the tournament has strengthened the global game rather than diluted it.

He also said FIFA believes the move to 48 teams has been a success.

"I felt this year's expanded Cup was 100 percent the right decision," Infantino said.

The current tournament is being hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico.

The 2030 World Cup is scheduled to be hosted primarily by Morocco, Portugal and Spain.

As part of celebrations marking the tournament's 100th anniversary, one match each will also be played in Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina, recognizing the inaugural World Cup held in Uruguay in 1930.

Any decision to increase the field to 64 teams would require further discussion and approval through FIFA's governing committees before the 2030 tournament.