DUBAI: FIFA, the governing body of world football, is exploring the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 event that will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, the association’s president, Gianni Infantino, has confirmed. The ongoing 2026 finals were the first to feature 48 nations rather than the 32 that had taken part in the competition since 1998. Now the possibility of adding a further 16 is being seriously considered.

The competition has been expanded to a 48-team format for the current 2026 finals, with FIFA now considering adding a further 16 nations.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that world football's governing body will examine a proposal to expand the FIFA World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 edition following…

FIFA president Gianni Infantino revealed plans to explore a 64-team World Cup format. This potential expansion would follow the 2026 tournament's increase to 48 teams. Discussions…

Infantino says proposal will be discussed after 2026 finals ends