The FIFA World Cup, the world’s most widely viewed sporting event, may be expanding to 64 teams in the future. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated that the possibility of expansion will be examined and discussed after the current World Cup.

Background

The current World Cup has 48 teams, the largest in the tournament’s history. Despite initial concerns about the quality of the games, the expanded format has been well-received, with many debutant teams performing well.

Cape Verde and Curaçao, for example, have made a strong impression in the tournament. The expanded format has also allowed for more teams from smaller countries to participate, which has been seen as a positive development.

Proposed Expansion

The proposed expansion to 64 teams is being considered for the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. The first three matches will be played in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to mark the 100th anniversary of the tournament.

CONMEBOL, the governing body for South American soccer, has already proposed a 64-team format for the 2030 World Cup. While the expansion would provide more opportunities for teams to participate, it could also lead to a longer tournament schedule and more games for players.

The decision to expand the World Cup will depend on various factors, including the feedback from teams, players, and fans. The FIFA World Cup is a premier international soccer tournament, and any changes to its format will be closely watched by the soccer community.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.