The International Federation of Football (FIFA) is working to accelerate the decision to increase the number of participating teams in the 2030 World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously hinted at the idea of holding the 2030 World Cup with the participation of 64 teams, given that it will be held in 6 countries in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first edition of the tournament.
According to the English "Sky News" network, FIFA is working to accelerate the decision for 64 teams to participate in the 2030 World Cup.
FIFA hopes to make an official decision on August 14 next.
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Infantino had previously stated via the Swiss "Bluewin" website: "The idea of holding a World Cup with the participation of 64 teams will definitely be discussed within the relevant committees after this tournament."
Infantino explained that the idea will be discussed within the relevant committees after the end of the next tournament, pointing out that the goal is to provide the opportunity for a larger number of countries to participate.
He added: "The World Cup is a tournament for the whole world, not just for Europe and South America. Every country should have the opportunity to dream of participating."
He continued: "The level of teams is constantly developing around the world, and if small countries do not get the opportunity, they will not have the motivation to improve."
FIFA President stressed that "increasing the number of teams to 48 in the 2026 edition was 100% successful."
The 2026 edition was held with the participation of 48 teams in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, after the tournament had been held with 32 teams from 1998 until 2022.
As for the 2030 edition, it will be held across three continents, where Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will host the opening matches, while the rest of the matches will be held in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.
The proposal comes after an official request from officials in South America, where Ignacio Alonso presented the idea during a FIFA Council meeting in March 2025.
