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FIFA is reportedly exploring yet another expansion of the World Cup, this time to 66 teams, with the first tournament under this possible new structure potentially being the 2030 edition hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

As per reports from the Spanish daily As, the idea stemmed from a proposal made by South America's football body, CONMEBOL, a few months ago. The intention behind this expansion is to give smaller footballing nations a greater chance to participate in the sport’s most prestigious global competition. Although the suggestion initially did not attract much attention, it is now said to be gaining traction among several national associations, leading FIFA to give the concept serious consideration.

Between 1998 and 2022, the World Cup featured 32 teams. The next edition, to be held across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will mark the first time the tournament includes 48 teams. This expanded line-up will feature debut appearances from Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, while Haiti, Iraq, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will return to the global stage after years of absence.

With the enlarged competition format, the top two teams from each group will still qualify for the knockout rounds, while a few third-placed teams will also advance. The report, however, does not specify what structure might be adopted for a 66-team tournament. FIFA currently counts 211 national associations as members.

For the 2030 World Cup, host cities are set to be spread across Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay as well. While the main hosts will be Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, one match each is scheduled to take place in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Montevideo (Uruguay), and Asunción (Paraguay)—all part of CONMEBOL, the body said to have proposed the 66-team plan. Analysts believe that the confederation could be pushing for additional matches if the expansion gets approved.

The forthcoming North American World Cup is set to kick off on 11 June with Mexico taking on South Africa in Mexico City, and the tournament will wrap up with the final in New Jersey on 19 July, spanning just over five and a half weeks of football action.