How Would A 64-Team World Cup Transform Football?

Introduction To The 64-Team World Cup Proposal

The idea of expanding the FIFA World Cup to 64 teams has sparked lively debate across the footballing world. Following the recent increase to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament, the South American football confederation, Conmebol, has proposed an even more ambitious expansion for the 2030 World Cup—the centenary edition of the competition. But what would this dramatic shift mean for fans, players, and the sport's global landscape?

The History Of World Cup Expansion

The World Cup has evolved considerably since its inception. Originally hosting just 16 teams, the tournament expanded to 24 teams in 1982 and then to the familiar 32 teams in 1998. The upcoming 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will introduce 48 teams for the first time. Doubling that number to 64 teams in 2030 would represent a seismic shift in the competition's scale and complexity.

Why Consider A 64-Team World Cup?

Inclusivity And Global Representation

One of the strongest arguments in favour of the 64-team proposal is inclusivity. More nations from across FIFA's 211 member associations would have the opportunity to participate, potentially including countries that have never qualified before. This could boost football’s global appeal and encourage development in emerging football nations.

Financial Incentives

From a financial perspective, more games mean increased broadcasting rights, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket sales. The 2026 World Cup is already projected to generate over $11 billion, and expanding further could amplify revenue streams, benefiting both FIFA and host nations.

Engaging A Wider Fanbase

With a larger tournament, fans worldwide would have more reasons to tune in, especially if their national teams qualify for the first time. This inclusiveness could foster a stronger connection between football and diverse audiences, enhancing the sport’s global footprint.

Concerns And Challenges Of Expansion

Competitive Balance And Match Quality

Critics worry that expanding to 64 teams might dilute the quality of competition. The potential for mismatched contests and one-sided games could increase, possibly diminishing the tournament's prestige. Ensuring a high level of competitiveness remains essential for maintaining fan interest.

Scheduling And Logistics

Fitting 128 matches into a tightly packed football calendar is a daunting task. The 2026 format already features 104 matches over 32 days, with minimal rest days. Adding another 24 matches would necessitate more stadiums, increased travel, and potentially longer tournament duration, all of which raise concerns about player welfare and fan logistics.

Environmental Impact

More matches spread across multiple countries would mean increased travel for teams, officials, and supporters, raising sustainability issues. With growing calls for greener sports events, the environmental footprint of an expanded World Cup cannot be overlooked.

Who Supports And Who Opposes The Idea?

Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez advocates for expansion, seeing it as a celebration of football’s global unity on the World Cup’s 100th anniversary. Conversely, UEFA’s Aleksander Ceferin and Concacaf’s Victor Montagliani have expressed reservations, concerned about the impact on tournament quality and the broader football ecosystem. Asian Football Confederation president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa also warned of potential chaos from further enlargement.

Possible Formats For A 64-Team Tournament

A likely structure would involve 16 groups of four teams each, with the top two from every group advancing to a 32-team knockout stage. This format is more straightforward compared to the 48-team setup, which includes complex qualification for the last 32. However, the sheer volume of matches—128 in total—would require meticulous planning to fit within the existing June-July window.

Implications For Qualification And Hosting

Qualification spots would almost certainly increase across all confederations. For example, South America might see its maximum number of teams grow from seven to even more, ensuring the continent’s top nations are present while allowing room for new entrants. Hosting could also become more complex, with potential matches spread across additional countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, complementing main hosts Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

Looking Ahead: What Could This Mean For Football Fans?

If the 64-team World Cup materialises, fans could witness an unprecedented celebration of football’s diversity and reach. However, they may also face challenges such as increased travel demands and fixture congestion. For those interested in following all the latest tournament developments, including detailed schedules and scores, resources like our football scores and fixtures guide for September 2025 offer invaluable insights.

Conclusion: A Bold Vision Or Step Too Far?

The prospect of a 64-team World Cup is both exciting and controversial. It promises greater inclusivity and financial rewards but also raises questions about competitive integrity and sustainability. As football continues to globalise, the decision will ultimately rest with FIFA and its stakeholders, balancing tradition with innovation. Whatever the outcome, the next few years will be critical in shaping the future of football’s most prestigious tournament.