The first-ever 48-team World Cup just wrapped, but Fifa president Gianni Infantino is already looking to expand it again. He’s opened the door to a massive 64-team tournament for 2030, calling this year’s edition a “resounding success.” Fifa vice-president Alejandro Dominguez is totally on board, pushing for it by 2030.
The Vision and The Pushback: Doubling Down
Infantino famously pushed for 48 teams, approved in 2017. But this new quest for 64 teams faces resistance. Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin thinks it’s a “bad idea.” It would mean doubling participating nations in just two tournaments, over eight years. Remember when 32 teams was the norm since 1998? Wild how fast things change. The 2030 edition is already spread across six countries and three continents, so adding even more teams means major reform is coming for qualifying, no question.
Qualifying Chaos: Who Gets In?
Extra qualifying berths will be distributed among the confederations. For 2026, Caf, AFC, and Concacaf benefited most, effectively doubling their allotments. Uefa, however, only got three extra places, a 23 percent increase, which drew serious ire from European nations. Infantino stresses inclusivity, so Europe, already the most represented, isn’t likely a major beneficiary again. Still, their allotment could rise to at least 20 for a 64-team setup. Oceania might get another automatic berth, even with New Zealand being their only nation in the top 150. AFC, Caf, and Concacaf will get another significant boost, opening doors for smaller nations like Uzbekistan, Jordan, and Curacao, who became the smallest ever nation to qualify for 2026.
The Stakes: Easier Path, More Cash?
Comnebol has less wiggle room. They already have six direct spots plus play-offs for only 10 nations. Fifa can’t offer too many new berths without making qualification redundant. Expect more changes to qualifying formats. Concacaf switched from an “Octagonal” league to a multi-round group system for 2026, and the AFC expanded to five rounds for their eight direct spots. Similar reforms and a rejigged play-off system would be needed. Financially, expanding qualifying could tilt the balance further towards Fifa. A less competitive qualifying process means top nations might cruise into the finals way easier.
This is a bold move, no doubt. With 2030 approaching, we’re looking at a World Cup bigger than ever, but potentially losing some of that hard-fought grit to get there. Get ready for some wild debates. This isn’t just about more games; it’s about changing the whole damn game.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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