FIFA is studying whether to expand the Men's World Cup from 48 to 64 teams for the 2030 edition. This move would reshape soccer's showpiece tournament as it celebrates its centennial.
To evaluate the proposal, the global governing body has opened a tender to research companies to assess the economic benefits of the expansion. A research brief has outlined a consultation process to analyze the potential increase in the number of teams.
The process is operating on a hugely accelerated timescale. A successful research party is expected to be selected by August 14, with the final analysis due by September 11. These deadlines indicate that a decision regarding the expansion could be taken this year.
This potential increase follows the 2026 expansion, which was the first of its kind since 1998. The shift to 64 teams for 2030 would represent a further significant change to the structure of the tournament.