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The FIFA World Cup could expand once again after 48 teams competed in this summer’s edition, marking a new chapter in the tournament’s history.

According to CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez, preparations are already in progress to increase the number of participating nations to 64 for the next World Cup, signalling a second consecutive expansion of football’s biggest event.

This year’s tournament, held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, featured 48 nations for the first time, an increase from the 32 that took part in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco—with one commemorative match each in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to celebrate the tournament’s 100th anniversary—could see even more countries take part.

The 48-team format was originally introduced under FIFA president Gianni Infantino, whose administration approved the expansion of the 2026 competition in 2017, just a year after he assumed office.

Earlier this month, Infantino hinted that FIFA was exploring the possibility of a 64-team World Cup. He said, “It’s important to organise it for the entire world... if smaller countries aren’t given the opportunity to participate in the World Cup, they’ll lack the motivation to continue improving.”

Less than two days after the 2026 final between Spain and Argentina, Dominguez confirmed that discussions were underway to make the 2030 edition even larger.

In a statement, he said, “We are working to ensure that the 2030 World Cup features 64 national teams, paying tribute to the centenary of the World Cup.”

He added, “International football grows when it opens up to the world. The expansion to 48 teams has shown that wider participation creates more opportunities, promotes the development of football, and transforms the World Cup into a genuine global celebration.”

Dominguez continued, “The Centenary gives us a historic chance to dream big. Let the World Cup become the grandest celebration the sport has ever seen.”

CONMEBOL had already submitted an official proposal in April 2025 to increase the number of teams for the 2030 World Cup to 64. However, no final decision has been made yet, as the move would require approval from a majority of the 37-member FIFA Council.

Meanwhile, Dominguez’s counterparts in other confederations have expressed reservations about the idea. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, along with the heads of CONCACAF—which represents North and Central America and the Caribbean—and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), have voiced opposition to the expansion plans.

If approved, a 64-team World Cup would feature 16 groups of four teams each, with the top two advancing to the round of 32. Unlike the 2026 format, no third-place teams would progress as 'lucky losers.'

The number of matches would increase from 104 in 2026 to 128, potentially extending the tournament beyond the five-and-a-half weeks seen in North America.

While the revised structure would simplify the competition and ensure each finalist plays the same number of matches, it would also pose significant logistical challenges. The number of stadiums would need to rise from the 16 used this summer, and host nations would have to expand infrastructure to accommodate more teams and supporters.

Nevertheless, after Infantino hailed the 48-team World Cup as a resounding success, it would not be surprising if the 2030 edition turns out to be even grander.