World Cup: FIFA studying impact of expanding to 64 teams for 2030 edition

FIFA is considering a significant expansion of the World Cup tournament for its 2030 edition, potentially increasing participating nations from 48 to 64 teams. This would represent another step in the tournament's growth trajectory, following the move from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 edition hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

To evaluate this proposal, FIFA intends to engage an independent agency to conduct a comprehensive impact assessment. The analysis will examine multiple dimensions of the expansion, including effects on competitive balance, player welfare, the international football calendar, and operational feasibility. The study will also evaluate potential concerns such as competition dilution, calendar congestion, and market saturation.

Financial considerations form a central part of the evaluation. The assessment will estimate revenues from ticket sales, sponsorship agreements, and media rights under the proposed 64-team format, determining whether any incremental value generated would be sustainable long-term.

The 2030 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay each hosting one match to mark the tournament's 100th anniversary. South American confederation CONMEBOL formally proposed the 64-team expansion last year. However, the proposal has faced resistance from other football confederations. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has previously stated that expanding to 64 teams is not advisable, while Asian Football Confederation President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa has also expressed opposition.

FIFA has set an accelerated timeline for the decision process, with the agency selection scheduled for August 14 and final analysis due by September 11. This compressed schedule reflects the urgency of determining the tournament's format ahead of the 2030 edition.