The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has begun looking into the ambitious possibility of increasing the number of participants for the 2030 World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the organization he leads is currently considering the option to increase the tournament's quota to 64 national teams.
This discussion arises following the success of the 48-team format implemented for the 2026 World Cup. According to Infantino, a thorough evaluation will be conducted immediately after the completion of the 2026 edition. For him, inclusivity is a core principle so that the impact of football does not solely center around traditional powerhouse nations in Europe or South America.
"Every country in the world deserves an equal opportunity to realize the dream of appearing in the highest football arena. The success of the current 48-team format is clear evidence that expanding the participants can elevate the level of competition globally," said Infantino, Sunday (13/7/2026).
Data gathered from the ongoing tournament shows that nations from various confederations are capable of delivering competitive performances. For example, almost all representatives from the African continent successfully reached the knockout stages, showing that the equalization of football quality across different parts of the world continues to develop significantly.
Although the 64-team format remains a proposal, FIFA is optimistic that increasing the number of participants will intensify competition and expand the international football ecosystem. This step is viewed as a strategic effort to ensure football remains a democratic sport accessible to all FIFA member nations without exception.
