FIFA to commission review of 64-team 2030 World Cup | OneFootball

FIFA confirmed on Thursday that it plans to appoint an independent agency to assess expanding the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams, up from 48 in 2026.

Agencies have until 7 August to apply, with the selection due on 14 August and findings expected on 11 September after a four-week study. The governing body would then decide between a 48 or 64-team tournament.

The brief is to assess whether moving from 48 to 64 teams from 2030 would improve the tournament’s value and the wider football ecosystem, or be undermined by dilution, a congested calendar, implementation challenges and over-supply.

The study will weigh the net opportunity, from broader international representation and new markets to extra premium content. It must also consider effects on match quality, the World Cup’s rarity and overall value, and how benefits, costs and risks would be shared across stakeholders.

Calendar impact is central, including how qualification paths might change. Particular attention is required on player welfare, covering workload, travel, preparation and recovery, and on identifying which stakeholders would support, tolerate or resist the format.

Commercial questions include whether broadcasters and sponsors could increase spending and whether a higher match volume might weaken the World Cup among other major events. The review must also propose risk mitigation measures.

Hosting is another key strand, testing single-nation feasibility against a potentially more suitable multi-country model given the need for more stadiums, training centres, accommodation, transport and operational resources. Sustainability and environmental impact are not included. Revenue projections for ticketing, sponsorship and broadcast rights are required.

Source: L'Équipe