FIFA is considering the possibility of the 2030 World Cup being held with 64 teams, which would represent a significant evolution in this iconic tournament. Currently, the 2026 World Cup will be played for the first time with 48 teams instead of 32, which will increase the number of matches from 64 to 104. Additionally, this edition will be the first to be held in three different countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
According to The New York Times, FIFA is evaluating the proposal to significantly increase the number of participating teams in the 2030 World Cup. The idea originated from Ignacio Alonso, Uruguay's delegate on the FIFA council, as a way to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the World Cup and allow more countries to join the competition.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, has described the proposal as "interesting" and stated that the economic, political, and sporting benefits that this change could generate will be evaluated. Regardless of whether the number of participating nations increases to 64, the 2030 World Cup will go down in history as the first organized in six countries and three different continents.
Portugal, Spain, and Morocco will be joint hosts in Europe, while Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay will celebrate an opening match to commemorate the centenary of the World Cups, remembering that the first tournament took place in South America. Although the proposal for 64 teams will be carefully analyzed, the logistics of hosting so many teams in one month or a month and a half of competition would represent a significant challenge.
