By Dorcas F. Koji
African nations could secure more places at future FIFA World Cups after world football’s governing body confirmed it will examine a proposal to expand the tournament to 64 teams beginning with the 2030 edition.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed that the proposal will be discussed by the organisation’s relevant committees following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. If approved, the expansion would add 16 more teams to the global showpiece, further increasing opportunities for emerging football nations.
The current 2026 World Cup is the first to feature 48 teams, with Africa receiving nine automatic qualification places and one intercontinental play-off spot—an increase from the five slots allocated under the previous 32-team format. A move to 64 teams could see the Confederation of African Football (CAF) gain even more qualification places, reflecting the continent’s growing influence on the world stage.
Infantino praised the performances of African teams at the ongoing tournament, noting that the majority progressed beyond the group stage and demonstrated the increasing competitiveness of football across the continent. He said the success of teams from Africa and other regions has strengthened the argument for expanding the competition to make it more inclusive.
Although no final decision has been made, the proposal is expected to generate widespread debate among football stakeholders. Supporters argue that a larger tournament would give more nations the opportunity to compete at the highest level, while critics believe it could dilute the quality of the competition and place additional strain on the football calendar.
For African football, however, the proposal represents a significant opportunity. Traditional powerhouses such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana and Mali, along with emerging nations, could all benefit from increased qualification slots, making the dream of World Cup participation more attainable.
FIFA is expected to evaluate the proposal in the coming months, with any decision on expanding the tournament to 64 teams likely to shape the future of the World Cup and further redefine football’s biggest global spectacle.
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