Just weeks before the biggest tournament in football history kicks off in North America, FIFA is reportedly considering another major expansion of the World Cup, with proposals emerging to increase the 2030 World Cup from 48 to 66 participating nations.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will already mark the first edition featuring 48 teams, but discussions within FIFA are now moving toward an even larger format.
South American football governing body CONMEBOL is understood to be among the strongest supporters of the proposal, pushing for greater global representation at football’s biggest tournament.
What was once viewed as an unrealistic idea is now gaining traction among several football federations, as FIFA president Gianni Infantino continues to promote the World Cup as a truly global event.
A 66-team competition would create opportunities for more nations to qualify, particularly countries making their debut on the world stage. The 2026 tournament will already feature first-time participants, including Cape Verde, Curacao, Uzbekistan and Jordan, reflecting FIFA’s push for wider inclusion.
The 2030 World Cup is scheduled to be primarily hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, while symbolic opening matches are expected to take place in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.
However, a further expansion to 66 teams would place enormous pressure on infrastructure, stadium availability and logistics across the host nations.
There are already concerns surrounding some proposed host venues in Spain, with Malaga reportedly dropping out of the hosting race, while uncertainty remains over stadium plans involving San Mamés and Reale Arena.
FIFA has yet to confirm any official format for the 2030 tournament, insisting that final decisions will likely depend on the success of the expanded 48-team competition at the 2026 World Cup.
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