FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that football’s governing body will consider expanding the FIFA World Cup to 64 teams beginning with the 2030 tournament, a move that could see Africa secure additional qualification places.
Key Highlights:
- FIFA is considering expanding the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams.
- The proposal could give Africa more qualification spots.
- Infantino says the World Cup should be more globally inclusive.
- The 48-team format has been described as a success by FIFA.
- Some football leaders oppose the proposed expansion.
- The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal.
Speaking to journalists after the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, Infantino said the proposal would be examined by FIFA’s relevant committees once the tournament concludes.
The planned expansion would increase the number of participating nations by 16, following the shift from a 32-team competition to the current 48-team format introduced for the 2026 World Cup.
According to Infantino, the World Cup should represent the global nature of football rather than remain largely dominated by Europe and South America.
“The World Cup is for the whole world, not just Europe and South America,” he said, adding that giving more countries an opportunity to compete would encourage football development across emerging nations.
If the proposal is approved, continental football confederations are expected to receive additional qualification slots. Africa, which currently has 10 qualification places under the 48-team format, could gain more berths for the expanded tournament.
Infantino also defended the 48-team World Cup, describing the format as a complete success despite concerns raised before its introduction.
The proposal to expand the competition to 64 teams was first presented by Uruguayan football official Ignacio Alonso during a FIFA Council meeting in March 2025.
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It later received support from CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez, who argued that the centenary edition of the World Cup should become a truly global football celebration.
The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal, with opening matches taking place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to commemorate the tournament’s 100th anniversary.
However, the proposal has sparked debate within world football. Aleksander Čeferin has criticised the idea, warning that a 64-team tournament could reduce the quality of both the World Cup and the European qualification process.
Similarly, Victor Montagliani has questioned the need for another expansion, saying a larger tournament may not be in the best interest of the global game.
Should FIFA approve the proposal, the 2030 edition would become the biggest World Cup in history, with more than one-quarter of FIFA’s 210 member associations earning places at football’s biggest tournament.
