FIFA is conducting a feasibility study on expanding the 2030 men's World Cup from 48 to 64 teams [1].
This potential increase comes as the organization seeks to involve more nations in the sport's most prestigious tournament. A larger field would further shift the structure of international football, and increase the commercial reach of the centennial edition [3].
According to documents seen by Reuters, the governing body is assessing the potential impact of the expansion [2]. The move would build upon a previous increase in tournament size, as the 2026 World Cup featured 48 teams, up from 32 in 2022 [2].
FIFA is studying whether the logistics and scheduling of a 64-team format are viable for the 2030 event [2]. The study aims to determine how such a change would affect the quality of play and the burden on host infrastructure [1].
"FIFA is studying the impact of expanding the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams for the 2030 edition, according to a document seen by Reuters," Reuters said [2].
The 2030 tournament marks the centennial edition of the competition [3]. By increasing the number of participants, FIFA aims to broaden the global representation of the game, a goal that aligns with the organization's broader strategy to grow football in emerging markets [1].
While the current plan for the 2030 edition is set for 48 teams, the feasibility study will determine if the jump to 64 is possible [1]. The results of this assessment will likely influence the final tournament format and the requirements for host cities [3].
“FIFA is conducting a feasibility study on expanding the 2030 men's World Cup from 48 to 64 teams”
The proposed expansion indicates FIFA's commitment to a 'globalization' model, prioritizing inclusivity and market expansion over the traditional, more exclusive tournament format. By moving to 64 teams, the organization increases potential revenue from broadcasting and sponsorships while simultaneously creating significant logistical challenges for host nations regarding stadium availability and player recovery times.
