FIFA, soccer's global governing body, is weighing a proposal to expand the upcoming 2030 World Cup from 32 to 64 teams in a unique one-time redesign to commemorate the tournament's centenary. The suggestion has captivated FIFA President Gianni Infantino and has emerged amid ongoing discussions surrounding the tournament's complex logistics, which will unfold across three continents—South America, Europe, and Africa—for the first time.
The World Cup is recognized as the most significant and lucrative sporting event globally, accumulating billions in revenue for FIFA. However, intense rivalry among nations eager to host the tournament and previous corruption scandals have marred its reputation. Recently, the decision to grant hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia faced backlash from good governance advocates, especially after FIFA adapted its policies to facilitate the selection process.
Infantino has previously expanded the World Cup during his term, increasing the teams from 32 to 48 for the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The recent proposal for a 64-team tournament emerged unexpectedly at a meeting nearing its conclusion, where Ignacio Alonso, a delegate from Uruguay, pitched the idea, supported by a prepared statement.
The World Cup is recognized as the most significant and lucrative sporting event globally, accumulating billions in revenue for FIFA. However, intense rivalry among nations eager to host the tournament and previous corruption scandals have marred its reputation. Recently, the decision to grant hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia faced backlash from good governance advocates, especially after FIFA adapted its policies to facilitate the selection process.
Infantino has previously expanded the World Cup during his term, increasing the teams from 32 to 48 for the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The recent proposal for a 64-team tournament emerged unexpectedly at a meeting nearing its conclusion, where Ignacio Alonso, a delegate from Uruguay, pitched the idea, supported by a prepared statement.
