https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/20/football/gallery/world-cup-2022
FIFA is evaluating a proposal to expand the men’s World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 tournament, marking the event’s centennial anniversary. This initiative, backed by CONMEBOL and Uruguayan official Ignacio Alonso, aims to increase inclusivity by allowing more nations from outside Europe and South America to participate. The move follows the expansion of the 2026 World Cup, which is currently underway in the US, Mexico, and Canada, to 48 teams. However, the proposal has faced criticism from UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, who argues that it could negatively impact European qualification and the overall quality of the tournament. FIFA plans to analyze the proposed expansion further after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, with a decision being anticipated at the upcoming FIFA Council meeting.
Key Takeaways
FIFA’s consideration to expand the World Cup to 64 teams appears to suggest a potential increase in diversity and competition among non-European teams.
The proposal, led by CONMEBOL and supported by South American officials, appears to advocate for greater inclusivity in the tournament.
