World Cup 2030: towards a historic 64-team edition?

While the 2026 World Cup will already host 48 teams, a new proposal is shaking the football world: expanding the 2030 edition to 64 nations!

This is an ambitious project led by Conmebol, which could disrupt the tournament's balance.

The idea was launched by Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Federation, during the FIFA Council on March 5. In his view, celebrating the centenary of the World Cup — the first edition having taken place in 1930 in Uruguay — deserves unprecedented scale: "A unique occasion must be celebrated in a unique way," he declared.

The concept: 64 teams spread across three continents, with six host countries already designated — Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Morocco, Spain, and Portugal.

FIFA will decide in the coming months

Gianni Infantino described this proposal as "interesting," while calling for a thorough analysis. The challenges are numerous: complex logistics, vast distances, accommodations, coordination... and the potential dilution of game quality with the arrival of less competitive nations.

If it comes to fruition, this 2030 World Cup would make history for its scale... but perhaps also for its controversies. FIFA will decide in the coming months.

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.