Infantino open to 64-team World Cup expansion for 2030

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has indicated the World Cup could be expanded to 64 teams for the 2030 edition, arguing that smaller nations need the chance to compete to keep improving.

Infantino's remarks come after the South American confederation Conmebol formally requested a one-off 64-team tournament in April 2025, a move that would give the centenary hosts in South America a fuller role in the event.

Who supports and opposes expansion?

Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez has repeatedly pushed for the expanded format, saying international football grows when it opens up to the world. But UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin dismissed it as a bad idea, and Concacaf president Victor Montagliani warned it would damage the broader football ecosystem.

• Infantino suggests 16 groups of four, with the top two advancing to the knockout stage.
• The 2030 World Cup is set to be hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain, with opening matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.
• Conmebol wants extra groups so the South American centenary hosts can stage a full share of matches.
• Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman warned further expansion could bring 'chaos'.
• The final decision rests with the 37-member Fifa Council.

The 48-team format used in 2026 saw debutants such as Cape Verde reach the knockout stage, which Infantino has cited as evidence that more teams can raise competitive standards. A formal decision on the 2030 format has not yet been announced, but Infantino's comments suggest the proposal remains actively under consideration.