FIFA has begun a consultation process to potentially expand the men's World Cup to 64 teams, a move that would reshape the scale of the sport's premier international competition.
Documents indicate the global governing body aims to reach a decision on the proposed expansion by Aug. 14.
The current men's World Cup format, which takes effect for the 2026 tournament, includes 48 participating nations. A move to 64 teams would represent another major increase in competing countries.
Such an expansion would create logistical challenges for future host nations. Requirements for stadium capacity, training facilities and transportation infrastructure would all increase.
The tournament schedule would also require restructuring. A 64-team field could mean more matches, potentially extending the overall duration of the World Cup—raising questions about player rest and club commitments.
Expanding the World Cup could generate increased revenue for FIFA through broadcast rights, sponsorships and ticket sales. A larger pool of participating nations often translates to a broader global audience and greater commercial interest.
For smaller footballing nations, a 64-team World Cup offers a greater opportunity for qualification, allowing more countries to compete on the world stage.
The challenge for FIFA lies in maintaining competitive quality with an increased number of teams. The consultation process involves input from member federations and other key stakeholders.
