The dream of a 64-team World Cup in 2030, championed by South American football federations, appears to be too big even for an expansion-happy FIFA. Following a formal presentation of the idea to President Gianni Infantino, the global football body is signaling that such a monumental increase is not on the cards, citing overwhelming internal opposition and fears for the tournament’s soul.
A delegation from Conmebol, representing the interests of Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, met with Infantino in New York to push their grand vision. A 64-team format would not only mark the centenary with an unprecedented event but also all but guarantee World Cup spots for all ten South American nations. The confederation argued it was ready for the challenge, even suggesting it could host the entire group stage.
Despite the ambitious pitch, the proposal is facing a reality check. Sources inside FIFA have indicated the plan is deeply unpopular within the FIFA Council, the very body that would need to approve it. The consensus is that adding another 24 teams beyond the 48-team format debuting in 2026 would stretch the tournament to its breaking point, diluting its competitive edge and damaging its business model.
This resistance is not quiet. Football leaders like UEFA’s Aleksander Ceferin and Concacaf’s Victor Montagliani have publicly voiced their strong disapproval. Their united front presents a significant hurdle for the proposal, reinforcing the notion that the global football community believes there is a limit to how much the World Cup can be expanded without losing its essence.
With the 2030 tournament already breaking new ground with its multi-continent format, the addition of 64 teams and a 128-match schedule is seen as a step into chaos. The FIFA Council is not expected to even discuss the matter at its upcoming meeting, effectively shelving the dream of a 64-team spectacle.