The World Cup has always been the pinnacle of international football. With the 2026 edition already set to expand to 48 teams, FIFA is reportedly exploring an even bolder move for 2030: a 64-nation tournament, according to The Athletic. If implemented, this would be the most dramatic expansion in the competition’s history.
Why the Expansion?
FIFA’s motivations are likely a mix of growth and opportunity:
Global reach: More spots mean more regions represented, potentially increasing football’s popularity in emerging markets.
Commercial appeal: A larger tournament would mean additional broadcast rights, ticket sales, and sponsorship deals.
Political strategy: Giving more nations a chance to participate could win support from football associations across continents.