The 2030 World Cup is already shaping up to be one of the most unique editions in the tournamentās history. For the first time, games will be hosted across six different countries. Opening matches will take place in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to commemorate the tournamentās centennial, while the remaining games will be spread across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. But FIFA might not stop there.
According to The New York Times, during the FIFA Congress held on Wednesday, March 5āwhich primarily focused on finalizing the prize money for the 2025 Club World Cup in the U.S.āthe organization floated the idea of expanding the number of teams in the tournament.
The proposed expansion would increase the number of participants from 48 to a staggering 64 teams. This would double the number of teams that competed in Qatar 2022 and mark a significant jump from the inaugural World Cup in Uruguay in 1930, which featured just 13 teams.
However, the report emphasizes that this is only an idea under consideration. FIFA has yet to make any formal decisions, so the possibility of increasing the number of teams remains uncertain for now.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during the 68th FIFA Congress. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The battle to host the 2030 World Cup Final
Meanwhile, Madrid, Barcelona, and Casablanca are in fierce competition to secure the honor of hosting the 2030 World Cup Final. Madrid has proposed the iconic Santiago BernabƩu Stadium, while Barcelona is touting the newly renovated Camp Nou, which will feature a capacity of 105,000 seats.
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Moroccoās Hassan II Stadium, however, offers a compelling alternative with its planned expansion to 115,000 seats, potentially making it the largest venue for the tournamentās climactic match. The race to host the final is heating up as FIFA evaluates these impressive bids.
