World Cup: FIFA studying impact of expanding to 64 teams for 2030 edition

FIFA is considering expanding the men's World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 edition, according to a research brief obtained by Reuters. The proposal marks a significant shift in the tournament's structure, following the recent increase to 48 teams for the 2026 edition in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This new initiative aims to evaluate the feasibility and implications of further growth, particularly as the tournament approaches its centenary celebration. The expansion plan involves forming an independent agency tasked with analyzing the potential impacts of increasing the number of participating nations. FIFA intends to finalize the selection of this agency by August 14, with the expectation that the analysis will be completed by September 11. The study will cover a range of factors, including the effect on competition dynamics, player welfare, and financial sustainability. It will also explore revenue streams from ticket sales, sponsorships, and media rights under the proposed format. The 2030 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with additional matches taking place in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to commemorate the tournament's 100th anniversary. This arrangement reflects the growing global interest in the World Cup and the desire to involve multiple regions in its history. The push for expansion follows the 2026 World Cup, which marked the first time since 1998 that the tournament moved beyond the traditional 32-team format. That edition introduced additional groups and an expanded knockout stage, leading to a total of 104 matches spread over more than five weeks. The increased scale of the 2026 tournament has raised questions about logistical challenges and the potential for competition dilution, issues that FIFA hopes to address through its upcoming analysis. FIFA's proposal to establish a $20 billion subsidiary to manage the World Cup and other events with external investors has sparked controversy among some of its member associations. UEFA, the European football governing body, has expressed strong opposition to this plan, with its president, Aleksander Ceferin, previously stating that expanding the World Cup to 64 teams was not advisable. Similar concerns were echoed by the Asian Football Confederation, whose president questioned the long-term viability of continued expansion. The research brief highlights several key considerations for the proposed expansion, including the need to maintain competitive balance and ensure the well-being of players. FIFA acknowledges that the expansion could lead to calendar congestion and operational complexities, but it believes these challenges can be managed effectively. The agency appointed to conduct the analysis will also assess the potential for generating incremental value from the tournament and whether that value can be sustained over time. FIFA faces ongoing disputes with its confederations regarding its broader strategy, including the sale of stakes in World Cup events to private investors. These tensions underscore the complex landscape within world football governance, as different stakeholders weigh the benefits of increased commercialization against the risks of losing control over the sport's most prestigious competition. As FIFA moves forward with its evaluation, the outcome of the study will likely influence future decisions about the World Cup's structure and management. The findings will provide critical insights into whether the proposed expansion aligns with the interests of all stakeholders and whether it represents a viable path for the tournament's evolution in the coming decades.