UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has firmly opposed the proposal to expand the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams, calling it “a bad idea.” This proposal, unexpectedly introduced by a delegate from Uruguay during a FIFA Council meeting on March 6, has raised significant concerns within the football community.
Speaking at a press conference following UEFA’s annual meeting in Belgrade, Serbia, Čeferin expressed his surprise and disapproval:
“This proposal was maybe even more surprising for me than you. I think it is a bad idea.”
He further emphasized that such an expansion would not be beneficial for the World Cup itself or for UEFA’s qualification process.
Critics argue that increasing the number of participating teams could dilute the quality of play and complicate the tournament’s organization. The World Cup is already set to expand from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 edition in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Further expansion to 64 teams in 2030 could pose additional challenges for both organizers and participating nations.
The 2030 World Cup holds special significance as it marks the tournament’s centenary. It is scheduled to be hosted across multiple continents, with Spain, Portugal, and Morocco serving as primary hosts, and additional matches planned in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to commemorate the inaugural 1930 World Cup held in Uruguay.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, known for supporting the expansion of international tournaments, has yet to make a definitive statement on this particular proposal. However, Čeferin’s remarks highlight a significant divide within football’s governing bodies regarding the future format of the World Cup.
As discussions continue, UEFA’s stance reflects a commitment to maintaining the integrity and competitive balance of international football, ensuring that any changes to the World Cup format serve the best interests of the sport and its stakeholders.
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