By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Accept
Okay.ngOkay.ngOkay.ng
Font ResizerAa
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Reading: 2030 World Cup Expansion: FIFA Considers 64-Team Centenary Celebration
Share
Font ResizerAa
Okay.ngOkay.ng
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Search
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Follow US
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2022 - All rights reserved
Sport

2030 World Cup Expansion: FIFA Considers 64-Team Centenary Celebration

Genesis Obong
By Genesis Obong
Published: March 9, 2025
Share
4 Min Read
FIFA World Cup expansion
SHARE

In a potentially seismic shift for global football, FIFA has confirmed it will review a proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to a staggering 64 teams, a move that would coincide with the tournament’s centenary. This revelation, following a FIFA Council meeting on March 5, 2025, has ignited discussions about the future of the world’s most prestigious sporting event.

The 2030 World Cup, already groundbreaking in its multi-continental format spanning Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, could see a dramatic increase in participating nations.

I’ve witnessed many changes in the sporting world, but this proposal, if implemented, would be one of the most significant.

“A proposal to analyse a 64-team FIFA World Cup to celebrate the centenary of the FIFA World Cup in 2030 was spontaneously raised by a FIFA Council member in the ‘miscellaneous’ agenda item near the end of the FIFA Council meeting held on March 5 2025,” a FIFA spokesperson confirmed to Reuters.

- Advertisement -

The proposal, reportedly put forth by Ignacio Alonso, a delegate from Uruguay, was met with “stunned silence,” according to the New York Times. This reaction underscores the sheer scale of the potential change, which would further enlarge a tournament already set to expand from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 edition in North America.

For smaller footballing nations, the prospect of participating in a 64-team World Cup offers an unprecedented opportunity. It’s a chance to dream, to inspire, and to potentially rewrite their footballing history. For fans, it means more matches, more excitement, and a truly global celebration of the sport. However, the logistical and financial implications are immense.

Read Also: Nigeria Seeks $1.1 Billion to Power Rural Communities with Renewable Mini-Grids

As the New York Times reported, “FIFA was likely to be guided by financial and political benefits as much as sporting ones when it came to taking a decision on the matter.” In essence, while the sporting merit is a crucial consideration, the economic and political realities cannot be ignored. The financial gains from an expanded tournament, including increased broadcast revenue and sponsorship deals, are substantial. Furthermore, the political capital derived from including more nations in the global spectacle is undeniable.

- Advertisement -

“Mr. Infantino … described the proposal as an interesting one that should be analysed more closely,” the New York Times added, according to “four people with direct knowledge of the discussions.” This acknowledgment suggests that FIFA is open to exploring the feasibility of a 64-team tournament, despite the logistical challenges it presents.

The current geopolitical climate also adds to the complexity. A 64 team world cup could be seen as a way to increase global unity, or it could be seen as a way to dilute the quality of the tournament. It is a very complex issue.

The implications of such an expansion are far-reaching. Issues surrounding infrastructure, scheduling, and the overall quality of play will need to be meticulously addressed. The existing multi-continental format already presents logistical hurdles; a 64-team tournament would amplify these challenges exponentially.

As we move forward, the world will be watching closely as FIFA undertakes its analysis. The decision will not only shape the 2030 World Cup but also set a precedent for future tournaments. Whether this bold proposal will ultimately come to fruition remains to be seen.

Stay Updated on the Go with Our Latest News—Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
TAGGED:2030CentenaryExpansionFIFAFootballGlobalSportsWorld Cup
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Telegram Email Copy Link Print
ByGenesis Obong
Follow:
Genesis Obong is a Journalist with relevant experience in Business, Finance and Economic matters in Nigeria and across the West African space.
Previous Article NGX Group Profit Nigeria Economy Navigates Debt Challenges and Market Volatility
Next Article I Still Remain Chairman of CAN for Northern Zone – Rev Pam Declares

Connect with Okay on Social

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
TelegramFollow

Dollar/Naira Rates

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate

Okay.ng Logo
Buy Rate ₦1,605.00
Sell Rate ₦1,620.00

Last updated: 3 days ago (June 3, 2025 2:33 pm)

Displayed rates are for informational purposes only and are subject to change.

USD/NGN Converter

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Recent Posts

BREAKING: Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais, Passes Away at 89
News Top stories
Russia Launches Deadly Drone and Missile Strikes Across Ukraine Following Ukrainian Attacks on Russian Bomber Fleet
International
MTN Nigeria Doubles ICT Industry Average with 41.4% Female Workforce Representation
Top stories
Lagos Commuters Endure Severe Gridlock as Pre-Sallah Activities Paralyze Major Routes
News
Nigeria GDP Growth, Nigeria renewable energy
Sallah 2025: Tinubu’s Economic Optimism and Nationwide Security Measures Highlight Nigeria’s Eid Celebrations
News Top stories
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You May Also Like

News

Tinubu Warns Lagos, States Against Unauthorised Island Approvals, Vows to Revoke Encroachments

Muhammad A. Aliyu
Muhammad A. Aliyu
June 6, 2025
News

Shettima Inaugurates African Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja, Hails New Era in African Healthcare

Muhammad A. Aliyu
Muhammad A. Aliyu
June 5, 2025
News

Tinubu Pledges Increased Infrastructure Funding, Calls for State-Federal Collaboration on Approvals

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
June 5, 2025
Okay.ngOkay.ng
Follow US
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2025 - All rights reserved
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
adbanner
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?