FIFA will review another expansion of the World Cup, with a 64-team format under consideration for 2030.

FIFA he decided to change World Cup format for the 2026 edition, expanding to 48 national teams. Despite growing skepticism, the tournament was competitive. Far from satisfied, Gianni Infantino He stated that they are reviewing the possibility to expand to 64 national teams for the 2030 edition.

“That is definitely an issue that will be considered and discussed in the relevant committees (expanding it to 64 national teams) after this World Cup. When organizing the World Cup, it is important to organize it for the whole world—not just Europe and South America… If you don’t give small countries the opportunity to participate in the World Cup, they will lack the motivation to continue developing.,” reveals Infantino, via BlueWin.

Not only does Infantino consider the proposal a possibility, but so does CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez. In an interview in November 2025, he revealed that his dream would be to see the tournament played with 64 national teams. However, this does not mean that the change has been approved, as internal discussions are still ongoing.

Unlike Domínguez and Infantino, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin is not entirely convinced that expanding the World Cup format to 64 teams it is the right decision. At UEFA’s press conference in Belgrade in April 2026, he revealed that he considered it a bad idea, as it would seriously affect the qualification process. Therefore, FIFA still has important discussions to hold before adjusting the format again.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino talks about the 2026 World Cup with US President Donald Trump

China and India: Key potential markets for FIFA

Throughout the last few years, FIFA decided to make many changes in soccer. Apart from the adjustment of the 48 national teams in the World Cup, they introduced changes in the rules. In addition, technology has taken a very important role. Howeverthe possible increase to 64 national teams could be a trade movewhich can have a positive impact on sports India and China, two important markets.

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Both China and India are among the most populous countries in the world. Despite this, none of them have played in the World Cup, meaning commercial rights in those markets are often low. With the expansion of the tournament format, they have a great chance to qualify for the first time in history, which represents a major commercial change.

This does not mean that FIFA is considering switching to a World Cup with 64 teams due to the inclusion of China and India. However, this adjustment would have, as its main effect, their possible merit. If they were able to qualify, both countries may be very interested in television rights, sponsorships, etc., to improve the tournament. In addition, this can make investment in soccer in these countries grow, benefiting the sport.

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