FIFA moves toward expanding World Cup to 64 teams for 2030 FAST-MOVING
FIFA has opened a formal consultation to examine expanding the World Cup from 48 to 64 national teams for the 2030 edition. The federation issued a tender for an independent agency to assess the economic, sporting and calendar impacts; proposals must be submitted by 7 August, the agency will be chosen by 14 August and must deliver its report by 11 September. A decision on the format is expected by 14 August 2026.
The 2030 tournament will be staged across three continents – Spain, Portugal and Morocco – with opening matches also scheduled in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. CONMEBOL backs the 64‑team plan, while UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC have voiced strong opposition, citing concerns over competition quality and player workload. President Gianni Infantino is promoting the expansion alongside a proposal to sell a minority commercial stake to private investors. In response, senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned, denouncing the investment plan as detrimental to football’s future.
Entities: CONMEBOL · Carlos Cordeiro · FIFA · Gianni Infantino · Morocco · Portugal · Spain · UEFA
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Senior FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned, citing opposition to the private‑investment proposal. (article 1b293dff-90f1-46fe-83c1-6a804805f523)
- [● 7 SOURCES] FIFA has launched a formal consultation to study expanding the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams for the 2030 tournament. (multiple articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] CONMEBOL supports the 64‑team expansion, while UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC oppose it. (multiple articles)
- [● 6 SOURCES] FIFA will appoint an independent agency to produce an impact analysis, with proposals due 7 August, selection by 14 August, and final report due 11 September. (multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Expanding to 64 teams would involve roughly one‑third of FIFA’s 211 member associations. (multiple articles)
- [● 4 SOURCES] A decision on the expansion is expected to be made by 14 August 2026. (multiple articles)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with opening matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. (multiple articles)
- [● 3 SOURCES] FIFA president Gianni Infantino is promoting the expansion and a plan to sell a minority commercial stake to private investors. (multiple articles)