FIFA has encountered growing opposition to its proposal to expand the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams for the 2030 edition. While the 2026 FIFA World Cup already features 48 nations for the first time, CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez has urged FIFA to increase the number of participants again to celebrate the tournament’s centenary.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino initially welcomed the idea, saying, “Every idea is worth considering,” but the project has since lost momentum.
Several football authorities have pushed back against the proposal. UEFA and the Asian Football Confederation oppose another expansion, arguing that a 64-team tournament would disrupt the international calendar and create major organizational challenges. Spain, Portugal and Morocco, the main hosts of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, have also continued their preparations based on the current format and show little enthusiasm for major changes at this stage.
Gianni Infantino has so far avoided taking a firm public position as he prepares for the next FIFA presidential election. According to reports, some FIFA officials believe his cautious approach reflects uncertainty over the project rather than full support. With strong resistance from UEFA, the AFC and several stakeholders, FIFA now faces an increasingly difficult battle to turn the 64-team World Cup proposal into reality.
