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FIFA Considers Expanding 2030 World Cup to 64 Teams

Jul 13, 2026 July 13, 2026 1 min read 📰 Al Jazeera
📋 Key Takeaway

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that the possibility of expanding the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams is under consideration during the first World Cup featuring 48 teams. This discussion involves FIFA and various national football associations. The expansion could impact Iran's chances of qualification and its footballing stature on the international stage.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The potential expansion of the World Cup to 64 teams could significantly influence Iran's football prospects and the broader landscape of international competition.

👥 Key Players

Gianni Infantino MENTIONED
FIFA President
"As the head of FIFA, Infantino's decisions directly influence global football governance and the structure of international tournaments, including the World Cup."
Iranian Football Federation MENTIONED
Governing body for football in Iran
"They represent Iran's interests in international football and are crucial for the national team's participation in global events."

📰 What Happened

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that the organization is considering expanding the 2030 World Cup to include 64 teams, building on the current format of 48 teams. This discussion is significant for national football associations, including Iran's, as it could affect qualification chances.

  • The current World Cup format features 48 teams, which is a recent expansion from 32 teams.
  • An increase to 64 teams would further broaden participation and potentially increase competition.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: An expanded World Cup could enhance Iran's chances of qualifying for future tournaments, boosting national pride and football development.
🌍 Regional: Increased participation could lead to more competitive teams from the Middle East, raising the profile of regional football.
🌐 International: A larger World Cup may alter the dynamics of international football, affecting how countries prepare and compete on the world stage.

📚 Background

The World Cup is the most prestigious football tournament globally, and its format changes can have wide-ranging effects on national teams and their development. The current trend towards expansion reflects a desire for greater inclusivity in international sports.

Football governance International sports tournaments
📡 Source: NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
This information is based on official statements from FIFA, which are generally considered reliable but should be viewed in the context of organizational interests.

FIFA president says during the first World Cup to feature 48 teams that it's under consideration.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 100%

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