A stark warning has emerged from within FIFA against a proposal to expand the men’s World Cup to 64 teams, with sources claiming it “would damage the World Cup.” The sentiment reflects a powerful internal consensus against the idea, despite President Gianni Infantino recently meeting with South American leaders to formally discuss the very concept for the 2030 tournament.
The meeting in New York saw Infantino host a Conmebol delegation eager to grow the centenary World Cup. For South America, a 64-team format would be transformative, offering a clear path to qualification for all its ten members. The delegation even suggested they could host the entirety of a much larger group stage, underscoring their commitment to the ambitious plan.
Despite this push, the plan is considered a non-starter by many within the organization. A FIFA source was blunt, stating that Infantino would be unable to secure the necessary votes from the FIFA Council. The opposition is widespread and not confined to Europe, with a shared concern that the tournament’s competitive balance and financial structure would be put at risk.
This internal view is mirrored by public statements from confederation leaders. UEFA’s Aleksander Ceferin and Concacaf’s Victor Montagliani have been unequivocal in their criticism, describing the idea as ill-conceived. Their roles as FIFA vice-presidents lend significant weight to their opposition, making the proposal’s path forward seem impossible.
The World Cup has a history of growth, expanding from 16 to 48 teams over the past several decades. However, the leap to 64 teams, which would double the number of matches from the 2022 tournament, is viewed as a bridge too far. For now, FIFA appears committed to protecting the tournament’s quality over accommodating the push for hyper-inclusivity.