FIFA’s potential expansion of the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams has sparked significant debate across the football world, with many prominent voices expressing concern about the implications for the tournament’s quality and player welfare.
The proposal, championed by South American governing body CONMEBOL, would see the centennial World Cup hosted across six countries on three continents (Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina) feature nearly one-third of all FIFA member nations. This would double the number of matches from the 2022 Qatar tournament to 128 games.
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez argues this expansion would ensure “nobody on the planet is left out of the party.” However, the idea has met resistance from other continental federations. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin labeled it a “bad idea,” while AFC president Sheikh Salman questioned where such expansions would end, asking: “Someone might come along and demand raising the number to 132 teams. Where would we end up then?”
The 2026 World Cup in North America will already feature an increased 48 teams, up from the traditional 32-team format. Critics argue that further expansion would dilute the tournament’s competitive quality and prestige. The World Cup has historically been football’s most elite competition, where even traditional powerhouses like Italy have missed qualification when their teams weren’t performing at the required standard.
Beyond competitive concerns, logistical challenges and player welfare issues loom large. The football calendar is already congested with expanded club competitions, including the Champions League’s new 36-team format and the upcoming 32-team FIFA Club World Cup.
Victor Montagliani, CONCACAF president, summarized many administrators’ position: “We haven’t even kicked off the new 48-team World Cup yet, so personally, I don’t think that expanding to 64 teams should even be on the table.”
As FIFA considers this proposal, the organization faces a delicate balance between commercial growth, global inclusivity, and maintaining the tournament’s status as football’s premier international competition.
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