Fifa is evaluating behind the scenes increasing the number of teams participating in Copa from Mundo 2030 to up to 66 teams. The information came from the Spanish newspaper As, which revealed internal conversations within the entity about the possible expansion. The theme gained momentum even before the model with 48 participants debuted in 2026 on Estados Unidos, Canadá and México.
Federações from different countries support the idea of expanding vacancies. Conmebol also views the opening favorably, seeing the chance to include teams outside of football’s elite. Gianni Infantino, President of Fifa, has historically advocated for a more global and inclusive Copa from Mundo. The expanded format aligns with its position on democratizing access to the tournament.
Potencial commercial and political on the agenda
Nos Behind the scenes, Fifa officials believe that more teams would attract countries that rarely compete in the competition. Além from the sporting aspect, the entity evaluates the commercial and political potential of an even more comprehensive tournament. The expansion would reflect Infantino’s commitment to the expansion of football on a global scale.
The 2030 edition will be held mainly on Espanha, Portugal and Marrocos. Partidas celebrations will also take place in Argentina, Uruguai and Paraguai for the centenary of the competition. The multi-country structure reinforces the global vision that Fifa seeks to consolidate.
Aguardando impacts 2026
Apesar from internal conversations, Fifa has not yet made the expansion to 66 teams official. The entity intends to observe the impacts of the 2026 Copa before making a definitive decision. The 48-team format will be tested for the first time at the next tournament, providing data for evaluation.
Pontos relevant information about the possible change:
- The 2026 Copa debuts the model with 48 selections after decades with just 32
- Conversas about 2030 includes federations from multiple continents
- Conmebol supports enlargement as a form of inclusion
- Commercial Potencial motivates internal discussions at Fifa
- Definitive Decisão should occur after 2026 analysis
World Format Evolução
The traditional 32-team model lasted from 1998 until 2022. The 2026 Copa will mark the first significant change to the format in more than two decades. The increase to 48 teams already represents a considerable expansion. An eventual arrival at 66 teams in 2030 would consolidate the trend towards democratization of access to the tournament.
Dirigentes assess that more vacancies would benefit confederations from developing countries. The political aspect would favor Fifa in negotiations with international organizations. Infantino’s strategic vision on inclusion appears to guide internal discussions about the future format.
The proposal still requires an official vote and formal approval. Organizadores also need to resolve complex logistical issues about how to structure a tournament with 66 participants. The decision schedule will directly depend on how the 2026 Copa unfolds.