World football-governing body FIFA is considering expanding the World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 edition, as they plan to celebrate the tournament’s centenary.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is entertaining thoughts of expanding the World Cup once again, up from the present 48 teams, in commemoration of the tournament’s centenary in five years time.
The proposal came from Ignacio Alonso, a Uruguayan delegate, at a FIFA meeting, with the subject coming up during the ‘miscellaneous’ portion of the meeting; it was met with stunned silence.
While the proposal is controversial, Infantino is said to be considering it, due in part that FIFA could be swayed by financial and political benefits, according to the New York Times.
The 2030 edition will be played across six countries, with the hosts being Morocco, Portugal and Spain. However, “anniversary matches” will be played in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.