FIFA Mulls Expanding World Cup to 64 Teams

World football governing body, FIFA, is reportedly considering expanding the FIFA World Cup from the current 48-team format to 64 teams in future editions. This potential move comes as part of FIFA’s ongoing efforts to increase global participation in the prestigious tournament and provide more nations with the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will already feature an expanded 48-team format for the first time, up from the traditional 32 teams that had been in place since 1998. However, FIFA is now exploring the possibility of further increasing the number of participants in subsequent editions, possibly as early as 2030 or 2034.

Why the Expansion?

FIFA’s push for expansion is driven by several factors:

1. Greater Global Inclusion – More teams would allow countries from all confederations, especially Africa, Asia, and CONCACAF, to have greater representation in the tournament. This aligns with FIFA’s vision of making football truly global.
2. Commercial Benefits – A bigger World Cup means more matches, higher television revenues, and increased sponsorship deals, all of which boost FIFA’s financial interests.
3. Development of Football – By giving more nations the chance to compete, FIFA believes the standard of football will improve worldwide, as countries invest in better infrastructure, coaching, and grassroots development.

Challenges of a 64-Team World Cup

While expansion would bring more opportunities, critics argue that it could dilute the quality of the tournament, increase player fatigue, and pose logistical challenges in terms of scheduling and venue availability. Hosting a 64-team event would require more stadiums and a longer tournament duration, which might limit the number of nations capable of organizing such a massive event.

What’s Next?

FIFA is expected to continue discussions with member associations and stakeholders before making a final decision on whether to move forward with the proposed expansion. If approved, the 64-team World Cup could redefine the landscape of international football, making it the largest and most inclusive tournament in history.

Football fans and analysts will be eagerly watching as FIFA deliberates on the future of the World Cup and how this potential expansion could shape the beautiful game.