FIFA Eyes 64-Team World Cup for 2030? Gianni Infantino Says, “Every Nation Should Be Allowed to Dream”

The FIFA World Cup may be set for another historic transformation. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the governing body will explore the possibility of expanding the men’s World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 tournament, a move that could reshape international football and give more nations a chance to compete on the sport’s biggest stage.

The proposal comes even before the debut of the 48-team World Cup, which will be introduced at the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. That edition will already mark the biggest expansion in the tournament’s history, increasing participation from 32 to 48 teams.

Speaking about the future of the competition, Infantino emphasized FIFA’s commitment to making football more inclusive. He suggested that the idea of a 64-team World Cup would be discussed after the upcoming tournament, stating that “every nation should be allowed to dream.”

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A New Era for International Football

The 32-team format, introduced in 1998, remained unchanged through the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The shift to 48 teams for 2026 is expected to provide more opportunities for emerging football nations, particularly from Asia, Africa, and North America.

If FIFA eventually approves a 64-team format, it would represent another significant milestone in the evolution of the World Cup. More countries would gain the opportunity to qualify, potentially increasing the tournament’s global reach and competitiveness.

Challenges Alongside the Opportunity

While the proposal could open doors for dozens of new national teams, it is also expected to spark debate within the football community. A larger tournament would require more venues, matches, and logistical planning, raising questions about scheduling, player workload, and overall tournament management.

Supporters, however, argue that expanding the competition aligns with FIFA’s vision of making football truly global by allowing more nations to participate on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

What Happens Next?

At present, FIFA has not made any official decision regarding the 64-team World Cup. The governing body will examine the proposal and hold discussions before determining whether the expansion should become part of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will celebrate the tournament’s 100th anniversary.

For now, football fans can look forward to the expanded 48-team World Cup in 2026, while the possibility of an even larger tournament continues to generate excitement and discussion across the global football community.