2030 World Cup could have 64 teams, says Infantino

2030 World Cup could have 64 teams, says Infantino

According to News.

Context

Traditionally, the World Cup has featured 32 teams since 1998, and the proposal to increase that number to 64 could create new opportunities for smaller teams. This change would not only increase the number of games, but could also result in exciting storylines and surprises during the tournament.

Why this matters

The expansion of the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams could transform the dynamics of the tournament, allowing more countries to participate and increasing football's visibility globally. This change could encourage the development of the sport in nations that historically have difficulty qualifying, promoting greater fan engagement and increasing competitiveness between teams.

Main conclusions

• 2030 World Cup could have 64 teams, says Infantino.
• FIFA President Gianni Infantino suggests the 2030 World Cup could increase to 64 teams, increasing the chances for more teams to compete.
• Will the 2030 World Cup expand to 64 teams? What FIFA’s Infantino says - Al Jazeera.

The 2030 World Cup could see a significant change in its format, with the possibility of expanding to 64 teams. This proposal was raised by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who believes that this change could bring new energy to the tournament. The director mentioned that the debate on increasing the number of participating teams is ongoing and that FIFA is open to discussing this possibility with member countries. Traditionally, the World Cup has 32 teams, a number that was adopted in 1998. Since then, the competition has been one of the most anticipated sporting events in the world, bringing together teams from all continents in search of the most coveted title in football. However, the proposed expansion to 64 teams aims to include more countries in the event, which could increase global interest and participation from nations that have historically failed to qualify. Infantino highlighted that this change would not only benefit the smaller teams, but would also provide more games and opportunities for fans. The idea is that the inclusion of more teams can raise the level of competition and provide even more exciting stories during the tournament. Furthermore, FIFA intends for the 2030 World Cup to be a celebration of football, uniting nations and cultures in an unprecedented event. The 2030 World Cup is scheduled to be held in several nations, although which countries will be the hosts has not yet been defined. Discussions about the venue and format of the competition are ongoing, and the final decision is expected to be announced soon. The idea of ​​expanding the tournament is just one part of FIFA's larger plan to revitalize the competition and make it even more inclusive and exciting. With the 2026 World Cup already scheduled to feature 48 teams, FIFA appears determined to continue this growth trend. The expectation is that the decision on including more teams for 2030 will be widely debated among thefootball federations, and the result could shape the future of international football. For fans, this proposal represents the chance to see more teams competing on one of the biggest stages in world sport.

What happens next

Discussions on the proposed expansion are ongoing, and FIFA is open to hearing views from member countries. The final decision on the format and host countries for the 2030 World Cup is expected to be announced soon, which could directly impact the teams' preparation for the tournament, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching.