UEFA President Critiques 64-Team World Cup Expansion

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has criticized the proposal to expand the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams, labeling it a 'bad idea' that could harm the tournament and Europe's qualifying process. The proposal, introduced by the Uruguayan Football Association, suggests expanding beyond the already planned 48 teams for 2026. Critics argue that increasing to 64 teams would dilute the quality of play and complicate logistics. Despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino generally favoring expansion, Ceferin expressed surprise at the proposal's sudden emergence and lack of prior communication. The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with symbolic matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. The proposal has yet to be formally analyzed by FIFA, but Ceferin's remarks highlight the tension within European football leadership regarding further expansion.