FIFA to consider allowing 64 teams at the 2030 World Cup | OneFootball

FIFA is considering expanding the 2030 World Cup from 48 to 64 teams as a one-off to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the prestigious tournament, according to the Times.

A representative of Uruguay’s FIFA Council, Ignacio Alonso, proposed the idea during a meeting on Wednesday.

The 2030 edition is already the most geographically complex World Cup in history.

Spain, Portugal and Morocco are the primary hosts, while Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will each stage a single match in recognition of the inaugural tournament held in Uruguay in 1930.

Even though many senior football officials are rightly concerned, FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly thought the suggestion was interesting and has not ruled it out.

The 2022 Qatar World Cup featured 32 teams, and the upcoming 2026 edition in North America will see that number increase to 48.

Some detractors have raised environmental and logistical concerns over the 2030 showpiece as it would involve too much unnecessary flying.

One senior football figure is branding the proposal ‘madness’ and has called for FIFA to reject the idea immediately.

However, Uruguay was encouraged to present the idea, and Infantino was aware of it before the meeting.

Increasing the number of participating teams would impact qualification processes and potentially diminish their significance and appeal to broadcasters.

People love the tournament because it is difficult to get a slot. Handing it out like candy kills the prestige of the showpiece.

The tournament would have more matches, taking it from the 104 planned for 2026 to at least 128 in 2030, creating massive scheduling and logistical challenges.

Players, coaches and clubs are constantly complaining about the number of games they have to play, and FIFA may add to that workload.

The only positive aspect of this proposal is that it could kill tensions in South America, where automatic qualification for Argentina and Paraguay has irked Uruguay.

Uruguay hosted the first edition and were expected to be honoured in 2030. However, Argentina and Paraguay somehow pinched the automatic qualification slots.