FIFA is studying the impact of expanding the 2030 men’s World Cup from 48 [1] to 64 teams [2].
This potential expansion would represent a significant shift in the tournament's structure just as the organization prepares for a centennial celebration. Increasing the field would alter the competitive landscape and create new commercial opportunities, though it would also place heavier demands on host infrastructure.
According to a document reported on July 31, 2026 [4], the organization is reviewing the feasibility and implications of a larger tournament. The study aims to assess the logistical and commercial requirements necessary to support a 64-team format [5].
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the organization's openness to the move. "We will consider expanding the tournament to 64 teams," Infantino said [3].
The move comes as the organization looks toward the 100th anniversary of the event. A FIFA spokesperson said the study comes as the body prepares to celebrate that milestone in 2030 [6].
Internal documents indicate that the governing body is specifically analyzing how the expansion would affect the 2030 edition [2]. The current format consists of 48 teams [1], a size that was itself a recent increase from the traditional 32-team era.
FIFA said in the document that it is studying the impact of expanding the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams for the 2030 edition [7].
“"We will consider expanding the tournament to 64 teams,"”
A move to 64 teams would further globalize the sport by allowing more nations to compete, but it risks diluting the quality of the group stages and increasing player burnout. Logistically, this puts immense pressure on host cities to provide more stadiums and training facilities, while commercially, it allows FIFA to generate more revenue through additional broadcasting rights and ticket sales.
