FIFA President Infantino pushes 64‑team World Cup for 2030

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is accelerating plans to expand the men’s World Cup to 64 teams for the centennial 2030 edition. The governing body has launched a fast‑track consultation, with a consultancy firm to be appointed on 14 August and to deliver findings by 11 September, aiming for a decision as early as this year.

The proposal is driven by the financial success of the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, which generated about $15 billion—nearly double the $7.6 billion earned in Qatar 2022—and attracted a record 6.8 million spectators. CONMEBOL strongly backs the expansion, seeing an opportunity for Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay to each host a group stage. UEFA and CONCACAF oppose the change, arguing the current format is already sufficiently large.

If approved, Europe would receive 21 slots (up from 16 in 2026), Africa 13, Asia 11, South America and CONCACAF each eight. The new format would not guarantee qualification for Romania, which would still miss out under the proposed allocation.