**FIFA Eyes One-Time Expansion of World Cup to 64 Teams for 2030 Edition**

FIFA is exploring the possibility of increasing the number of teams in the 2030 World Cup to 64, a plan that has garnered significant attention and poses challenges due to its unprecedented multi-continental format.

FIFA, the governing body of international soccer, is reportedly considering a dramatic expansion for the upcoming 2030 World Cup, potentially increasing the tournament size to 64 teams. This expansion is intended to mark the centenary celebration of the event, sources familiar with the discussions have revealed. The proposal has sparked considerable interest from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who is already overseeing an increase of teams from 32 to 48 for the 2026 tournament, scheduled to take place largely in the United States, with matches also hosted in Mexico and Canada.

The World Cup stands as one of the most lucrative sporting events globally, generating billions in revenue. However, this lucrative nature has resulted in fierce competition among nations to host the event, often leading to allegations of corruption and governance issues within FIFA. The decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia has drawn criticism for perceived lack of transparency, particularly after FIFA amended its regulations allowing the country to secure hosting rights uncontested.

The call for a 64-team format was made during the concluding remarks of a recent meeting, when Uruguay's representative, Ignacio Alonso, delivered a prepared statement advocating for the expansion. The new proposal promises to complicate logistics even further, as the tournament will be historically hosted across three continents. Discussions surrounding the expansion reflect FIFA's intentions to not only commemorate its legacy but also to capitalize on the financial opportunities the tournament presents.

This potential modification, if approved, could reshape the future landscape of international soccer competitions and how they are structured.