FIFA has taken a new step towards a possible expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 64 teams. According to recent revelations by Martin Ziegler, football’s governing body has launched a tender process to appoint an agency that will assess the potential impact of such a move.
The decision to appoint the agency is expected by 14 August, after which the selected organisation will have four weeks to complete its analysis.
The timeline would allow FIFA to meet the deadline of 19 September, when member associations are expected to vote on the possible sale of a stake in the World Cup.
A major change for global football
The possibility of a 64-team World Cup would represent another major transformation for the competition.
The tournament is already set to expand from 32 to 48 teams at the 2026 edition, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
A further increase could create more opportunities for countries from all continents, including Africa, which has long pushed for greater representation on the world stage.
However, the proposal could also raise questions about the international calendar, competition format and the sporting balance of the tournament.
Decision expected after consultation
The agency appointed by FIFA will be responsible for studying the potential consequences of the expansion and providing an assessment before the September vote.
The final decision will depend on FIFA’s member associations.
If approved, the move would mark one of the biggest changes in World Cup history.
Leave a comment