FIFA studies proposal to increase number of teams in 2030 World Cup

FIFA is considering a surprise proposal to expand the 2030 men's World Cup to 64 teams, double the number of teams taking part in the 2022 edition in Qatar.

"A proposal to increase the number of teams at the World Cup to 64 in the Centenary Edition in 2030 was spontaneously raised by a member of the FIFA Council towards the end of the meeting," FIFA said in a statement on Thursday, a day after the meeting.

He added about the meeting, which was held online: “The idea was taken into consideration because FIFA is committed to analyzing any proposal from any of its members.”

The idea was first floated by Uruguayan member Ignacio Alonso, two people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussions were confidential.

Uruguay hosted and won the first edition of the World Cup in 1930, and is set to host a match in the centenary edition of the tournament.

The first edition of the tournament with the new system (48 teams) will be held next year in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The hosting area is set to expand in the 2030 edition, which will be held in 6 countries on 3 continents.

Source: German