FIFA Considers Expanding 2030 World Cup to 64 Teams

Jul 13, 2026

61 min

Jul 13, 2026 08:32

FIFA “examining” 64-nation World Cup in 2030 – How this benefits UAE

## FIFA's Expansion Plans

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is exploring the possibility of expanding the World Cup to include 64 teams by 2030. This follows the 2026 tournament, which already increased participation to 48 teams. Infantino believes that a larger World Cup could provide more opportunities for emerging football nations.

## Opportunities for UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) could benefit significantly from this potential expansion. The UAE's recent performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers showed their growing competitiveness in Asian football. Although they narrowly missed out on qualification, a larger tournament could offer them a better chance to compete on the global stage.

## Global Representation

An expanded World Cup aims to be more inclusive, allowing countries that traditionally struggle to qualify a chance to participate. This summer's tournament demonstrated the benefits of broader representation, with several African nations advancing to the knockout stages, showcasing the continent's growing football prowess.

## Success Stories

The 2026 World Cup highlighted how smaller nations can make significant impacts. Cape Verde, for instance, reached the knockout stages in their first World Cup appearance, nearly defeating Argentina in a thrilling match. Such stories illustrate how expansion can enrich the competition rather than dilute it.

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