The 2026 FIFA World Cup has yet to conclude, but it may already represent only the first step in an even bigger transformation. Ahead of the 2030 edition, FIFA is studying the possibility of expanding the tournament once again, this time to 64 national teams, a move that would once again reshape the history of soccer's biggest international competition.

According to a report by The Athletic, FIFA president Gianni Infantino revealed that the governing body will seriously evaluate the proposal for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. If approved, the tournament would grow from the 48-team format introduced in 2026 to 64 participants, marking an unprecedented expansion in just one World Cup cycle.

The proposal comes during a period of continuous evolution for the competition. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already broken several records by becoming the first edition with 48 teams, 104 matches, and the longest tournament in World Cup history. Now, world soccer's governing body is considering taking that expansion even further.

A World Cup Like Never Before

The 2030 FIFA World Cup is already set to make history for multiple reasons. As part of the tournament's centennial celebration, the opening matches will be played in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay, three nations deeply connected to the birth of the competition. The remainder of the tournament will then be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, making it the first World Cup ever staged across three continents and six different countries.

Should the expansion to 64 teams be approved, FIFA would once again need to redesign the tournament format. The organization would have to determine a new qualification system, allocate additional berths among the continental confederations, and adapt the competition schedule and logistics to accommodate a significantly larger field.

The proposal would also present major sporting challenges. A longer tournament would increase the physical workload on players, reduce recovery time between club seasons, and place even greater pressure on the already congested international soccer calendar.

More Opportunities, but Also More Debate

Since expanding from 32 to 48 teams, FIFA has argued that a larger World Cup helps globalize the sport by giving more nations the opportunity to compete on soccer's biggest stage. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several debuting national teams proved that the competitive gap with traditional powers has narrowed, delivering impressive performances against some of the tournament favorites.

However, the proposal has also sparked debate among analysts, coaches, and former players. Critics argue that expanding to 64 teams could reduce the overall competitiveness of the group stage while further increasing the physical demands placed on players. Supporters, meanwhile, believe the continued growth of the global game justifies opening the tournament to even more nations.

History suggests that every World Cup expansion has initially been met with skepticism. The tournament grew from 16 teams in 1978 to 24 in 1982 and later to 32 in 1998, decisions that were widely questioned at the time but ultimately created opportunities for emerging soccer nations to shine. Teams such as Croatia, which reached the semifinals in 1998 and the final in 2018, and Morocco, which made history by reaching the semifinals in 2022, demonstrate how expansion has helped elevate new contenders on the world stage.

For now, the proposal remains under review, and FIFA has not made an official decision. However, if it gains the support of its member associations, the 2030 FIFA World Cup could become the largest, longest, and most ambitious tournament in the history of international soccer.

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