The seemingly unstoppable expansion of the men’s World Cup has finally hit a red light. FIFA has confirmed it is not planning to increase the tournament to 64 teams for its 2030 centenary edition, putting the brakes on a trend that has seen the competition grow from 16 to 48 teams over the past five decades.
The latest push for expansion came from South American football leaders, who formally presented their proposal to FIFA President Gianni Infantino in New York. Their vision was for a historic, hyper-inclusive tournament that would see nearly a third of all FIFA member nations participate.
However, the proposal has been met with a rare and powerful wave of resistance. An inside source at FIFA revealed that the plan has no support within the governing council, where it is viewed as a dangerous step that would harm the quality and financial viability of the tournament.
This opposition marks a significant shift in the discourse surrounding the World Cup. For years, expansion was seen as a positive, inevitable development. Now, influential figures like UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin are publicly warning against its dangers, arguing that it dilutes the competition’s prestige.
The decision to reject the 64-team format, at least for now, suggests a new era of caution at FIFA. The focus has shifted from “how big can we get?” to “what is the optimal size to maintain quality?” For the foreseeable future, 48 teams is the answer.