FIFA Considers 64-Team Format for 2030 World Cup Amid Centennial Celebrations
Proposed expansion aims to honor 100 years of global football, with Morocco, Portugal, and Spain as potential hosts.
Reports indicate that FIFA is exploring a significant expansion of the 2030 World Cup, potentially increasing the number of participating teams to 64. This proposal, which would mark a major shift from the current 32-team format, is reportedly under discussion as part of celebrations for the tournament’s 100th anniversary. The move reflects ongoing debates about global inclusivity and the commercial viability of the sport’s premier event.
The Proposal and Its Context
According to multiple sources, FIFA is seriously considering a 64-team format for the 2030 World Cup. The idea is tied to the centennial of the inaugural tournament, which was held in 1930 in Uruguay. The proposal has sparked both excitement and skepticism within the football community, with critics questioning the logistical challenges and potential dilution of competitive quality.

The FIFA website highlights the organization’s role in “overseeing international competition among national associations,” but no official statement has been released regarding the 2030 format. The FIFA homepage currently lists the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as the most recent event, with details about the 2026 tournament in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Host Nations and Logistical Challenges
While the full details of the 2030 World Cup plans remain unclear, reports suggest that Morocco, Portugal, and Spain are