FIFA, the organization overseeing global soccer, is reportedly exploring a proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams in a unique tribute to the tournament's centenary. This potential change has sparked interest within FIFA's highest ranks, including President Gianni Infantino, as discussions continue on the feasibility of this significant enlargement of the event, which will be hosted across three continents for the first time in history.
The World Cup is renowned as the premier sporting event globally, generating billions in revenue for FIFA. However, the highly sought-after nature of hosting the tournament often leads to fierce competition among nations, rife with allegations of corruption concerning its awarding. The recent decision to host the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia has been met with controversy, as FIFA altered its rules to allow the country to secure hosting rights with little competition, eliciting criticism from governance advocates.
Infantino's administration has already increased the team's quota from 32 to 48 for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be primarily held in the United States alongside matches in Mexico and Canada. The ambitious suggestion for a 64-team tournament emerged during a recent meeting where a delegate from Uruguay, Ignacio Alonso, presented his proposal during a segment dedicated to miscellaneous matters, reading from a prepared statement in English. As FIFA deliberates this possibility, the soccer community watches closely, contemplating the implications of such a transformative decision.
The World Cup is renowned as the premier sporting event globally, generating billions in revenue for FIFA. However, the highly sought-after nature of hosting the tournament often leads to fierce competition among nations, rife with allegations of corruption concerning its awarding. The recent decision to host the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia has been met with controversy, as FIFA altered its rules to allow the country to secure hosting rights with little competition, eliciting criticism from governance advocates.
Infantino's administration has already increased the team's quota from 32 to 48 for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be primarily held in the United States alongside matches in Mexico and Canada. The ambitious suggestion for a 64-team tournament emerged during a recent meeting where a delegate from Uruguay, Ignacio Alonso, presented his proposal during a segment dedicated to miscellaneous matters, reading from a prepared statement in English. As FIFA deliberates this possibility, the soccer community watches closely, contemplating the implications of such a transformative decision.
