In a clear sign of expansion fatigue, FIFA is pushing back against the idea of a 64-team men’s World Cup for the 2030 centenary celebration. The governing body has confirmed it is not planning the expansion, despite a formal pitch made by South American football chiefs to FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a recent meeting in New York.
The proposal was the main topic of discussion when Infantino met with a delegation from Conmebol, including the presidents of Uruguay and Paraguay. They advocated for a larger tournament that would allow over 30% of FIFA’s members to participate, a move that would greatly benefit the 10-nation South American confederation by virtually assuring their qualification.
Behind the scenes, however, the concept is being roundly rejected. FIFA insiders report that the plan has no traction within the FIFA Council, where it would need to be approved. There is a strong, cross-confederation consensus that a 64-team format would be detrimental, lowering the overall standard of play and risking the tournament’s commercial success.
This internal stance is supported by very public criticism from influential football leaders. UEFA’s Aleksander Ceferin has called the idea “bad,” while Concacaf’s Victor Montagliani said it “doesn’t feel right.” As FIFA vice-presidents, their opinions carry immense weight and suggest that the South American proposal faces an insurmountable political challenge.
The World Cup has grown steadily over the decades, and will reach 48 teams in 2026. However, it appears that for many in the game, this is the limit. A further expansion to 64 teams and 128 matches is seen as a logistical and competitive nightmare that FIFA is, for now, unwilling to entertain.
Expansion Fatigue? FIFA Says No to 64-Team World Cup
