FIFA Seriously Considering Expanding World Cup to 64 Teams from 2030

T.E (Elbotola)

21 May 2026at20:37

News reports indicate that the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) is seriously considering increasing the number of participating teams in the World Cup from 48 to 64, starting with the 2030 edition, which will be hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal.

Spanish newspaper "AS" confirmed that the proposal to expand the number of World Cup participants has resurfaced as the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada approaches, which will feature 48 teams for the first time.

The same source reported that FIFA welcomes the idea of increasing the number of participating teams in the World Cup to 64, which would be double the number of participants in the last edition held in Qatar in 2022.

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) was behind the proposal to increase the number of World Cup teams for the second consecutive time, aiming to provide an opportunity for other countries that have not previously appeared in the global football spectacle.

Q&A

What is FIFA considering for the World Cup?

FIFA is seriously considering expanding the number of participating teams in the World Cup from 48 to 64. This significant change would begin with the 2030 edition, which is set to be hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal.

How would the World Cup expansion impact participating nations?

The World Cup expansion to 64 teams would significantly impact participating nations by doubling the number of teams from the 2022 Qatar edition. This move aims to provide an opportunity for more countries that have not previously appeared in the global football spectacle.

When would the proposed World Cup expansion take effect?

The proposed World Cup expansion to 64 teams would take effect starting with the 2030 edition of the tournament. The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will be the first to feature 48 teams.

FIFA World Cup