Ian Hart: Could a 64-team World Cup in 2030 kill off the golden goose?

Ian Hart questioned whether FIFA’s plans for a 64-team World Cup in 2030 could dilute the tournament’s appeal, even as the competition moves toward the 2030 event now planned in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. He noted that besides a main six-country hosting concept, FIFA’s schedule includes three early matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to mark the centenary. Hart said speculation points to expanding participation from 48 to 64 teams, creating 16 groups of four and eliminating the bottom two before a round of 32, for an estimated 128 total matches. He suggested the greater number of teams could increase one-sided games, citing Cape Verde’s competitive run as a positive example. He also described media coverage issues during his trip to the U.S. for an England quarter-final, including Fox’s commercial breaks during matches broadcast in Charlotte, North Carolina. Hart raised concerns about FIFA governance, referencing a broader controversy involving heads of state and sanctions, including Donald Trump’s intervention over Folarin Balogun’s red card, which he said was embarrassing and long-term problematic.