Will the World Cup see a further increase in the number of participants? Possibly, if a proposal that appeals to Gianni Infantino is approved.
A 64-team World Cup 2030 to mark the centenary of the event? It’s a project that’s now on the table, according to a report in the New York Times. The proposal was made by Uruguay delegate Ignacio Alonso at a recent meeting. Although the idea elicited a “stunned silence” among those present, FIFA President Gianni Infantino reacted by calling the proposal “interesting” and suggested that it deserved to be “analyzed more closely”.
A special edition for the centenary?
The 2030 World Cup will be held on three continents: Spain, Morocco and Portugal, with the first three matches organized in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, the countries where the competition was launched in 1930. This change follows the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams for the 2026 edition, jointly organized by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Infantino, who has already put in place an extension for 2026, is looking to strengthen the financial and political dimension of the event.
However, this extension to 64 teams raises concerns. Some believe it could make regional qualifiers less meaningful and diminish interest from broadcasters. In addition, the tournament could last longer and create logistical problems. Infantino, who has greatly increased FIFA’s influence since his presidency, is likely to face stiff opposition over this project. To be continued…
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