Could the next World Cup have even more teams? FIFA is considering it

FIFA is considering expanding the next men’s World Cup beyond 48 teams, with discussion centered on a potential 64-team format. After this year’s tournament set a record with 48 teams, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the idea would be examined in relevant committees following the competition. He argued that every nation should have the chance to dream of participating and that the overall quality of teams is rising worldwide, making broader access a path to continued improvement. For 2030, the event is set to be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, while the first three matches will be played in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay to mark 100 years since the inaugural edition in Uruguay. The article notes that CONMEBOL has already proposed a 64-team 2030 tournament, though critics point to a longer schedule of 104 games and limited rest for players.