Matt Maher: A 64-team World Cup would knock even more gloss off football's greatest show

This summer’s Club World Cup might be suffering from sluggish ticket sales and disinterest from broadcasters - but it has not yet convinced football’s powerbrokers more isn’t always better.

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By Matt Maher

Published Apr 12

Last updated Apr 12

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FIFA president Gianni Infantino looks on following the FIFA Women’s World Cup final match at Stadium Australia, Sydney — FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia (Zac Goodwin/PA)

Next on the agenda is a further expansion of the World Cup, again. Next year’s tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico is already poised to be the biggest yet, with the number of teams rising from 32 to 48, playing an extra 40 matches compared to Qatar 2022.

Yet if the wishes of South American governing body, Conmebol, are granted, the 2030 tournament will be even larger still.

This week it put forward a proposal for a 64-team competition, to mark the 100th anniversary of the first-ever World Cup being staged.

The tournament already looks a logistical headache. Though it will mainly be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, the opening matches will take place in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.