64 Teams, One World Cup: Why FIFA’s Biggest Expansion Yet Could Change Football Forever

The FIFA World Cup has always evolved with the times. From just 13 teams in 1930 to 16, then 24, and eventually 32, football’s greatest tournament has continually expanded to reflect the sport’s global growth.

In 2026, the competition reached another milestone by featuring 48 nations for the first time. Yet FIFA is already looking ahead.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that football’s governing body will discuss a proposal to expand the tournament further—to 64 teams—after the 2026 World Cup. While no decision has been made, the idea is firmly on FIFA’s agenda as preparations continue for the 2030 centenary World Cup. 

More Nations, More Dreams

The biggest argument in favour of expansion is inclusion.

A 64-team World Cup would allow dozens more countries to experience football’s biggest stage. Nations that have consistently fallen just short in qualifying—particularly from Africa, Asia, Oceania and CONCACAF—would have a far greater chance of reaching the finals.

Infantino believes that giving more countries an opportunity to qualify encourages investment in football development and inspires future generations. The impressive performances of many nations at the expanded 2026 tournament have strengthened FIFA’s belief that global football standards are improving. 

A Cleaner Tournament Format?

Ironically, some supporters argue that a 64-team World Cup could actually produce a simpler tournament.

The current 48-team format uses 12 groups of four, with the top two teams and the eight best third-placed teams progressing to the Round of 32. While exciting, that system can be complicated for fans to follow.

A 64-team competition could instead feature 16 groups of four, with only the top two teams advancing—creating a straightforward knockout bracket similar to previous World Cups while keeping every group-stage match meaningful. 

The Critics Have Their Say

Not everyone is convinced.

Many coaches, former players and supporters believe the World Cup risks becoming too large. Critics argue that expanding qualification could reduce its prestige, weaken qualifying competitions and increase player workload in an already crowded football calendar.

Others worry that commercial interests—more matches, higher television revenues and greater sponsorship opportunities—are becoming as influential as sporting considerations.

What It Means for Africa

For Africa, a 64-team World Cup could be transformative.

CAF already benefited from the increase to 48 teams, receiving more automatic qualification places. A further expansion would likely open even more opportunities for African nations, allowing emerging football countries to compete alongside traditional powers such as Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria, Egypt and Ivory Coast.

The strong performances by African teams at the 2026 World Cup have only strengthened the argument that the continent deserves greater representation. 

The Road Ahead

For now, the proposal remains exactly that—a proposal.

FIFA will review the idea after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup before any formal decision is taken regarding the 2030 tournament. If approved, the World Cup would become the largest sporting event in football history.

Whether supporters embrace or reject the concept, one thing is clear: football’s biggest tournament continues to evolve. The debate over a 64-team World Cup is no longer a distant possibility—it is a genuine conversation that could reshape international football for generations to come.