FIFA is considering expanding the 2030 World Cup from 48 teams (as in the 2026 edition) to 64, a change that former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia says would improve India’s chances of qualifying, though he adds it is not guaranteed. Both reports note that the proposal is backed by CONMEBOL and was formally put forward in April last year. They also say FIFA has not made a final decision. Business Standard reports that FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said the organization will examine the proposal after the current World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The outlets also provide context on how the 2030 tournament is expected to be structured if approved: it is described as being largely co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with the opening matches planned in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay to mark the centenary of the competition. Uruguay hosted the first World Cup in 1930. Bhutia also raises concerns that expanding the number of teams could affect the overall quality of matches. Overall, the coverage links the expansion idea to potential implications for India’s qualification path, while stressing the proposal still depends on FIFA’s decision.
