FIFA Faces Pushback on 64-Team 2030 World Cup

A proposal by CONMEBOL to expand the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams has been firmly rejected by major football federations, including CONCACAF, UEFA, and the AFC. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani and other leaders argue the expansion is premature, as the 48-team format will debut in 2026 and further growth may harm the football ecosystem. UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin and AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa also raised concerns, warning such moves could cause chaos. The 2026 World Cup is set to expand to 48 teams, while the 2030 edition faces additional logistical challenges as it will be hosted across three continents. Despite CONMEBOL’s claims that a larger tournament would enhance inclusivity, most global football leaders view further expansion as unnecessary and potentially disruptive. FIFA has yet to officially decide on the South American proposal.