According to recent reports from The Athletic, FIFA is studying the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 countries.
The 2026 edition has already been increased to 48, giving more nations and players the opportunity to feature in football’s biggest stage, which is every player’s dreams.
The idea of a 64-team World Cup originated from a South American delegation, including the heads of state of Uruguay and Paraguay, alongside the presidents of the Argentine, Paraguayan, and Uruguayan football federations.
They formally asked FIFA to examine the feasibility of a 64-team tournament in 2030 to mark the 100 years of the first World Cup.
For South American nations, such an expansion would increase their representation at the tournament.
Under the new 48-team format for 2026, six CONMEBOL countries have qualified including Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay.
Bolivia also stands the chance as they finish in the playoffs spot.
An extension to 64 teams would also present more opportunities for African nations.
CAF representation has already grown from five in 2018 and 2022 to nine guaranteed places for the 2026 edition, plus one playoff slot.
Two African countries have sealed their place for next year’s global showpiece, Morocco and Tunisia.
Only 13 nations out of CAF’s 54 members have ever appeared at a World Cup, which is about 24%.
A 64-team tournament would give more African sides, including those that have never qualified before, the chance to dream of the global stage.
It would also provide greater international exposure and increased revenue opportunities for football development across the continent.
