In what could become the boldest chapter in World Cup history, FIFA is exploring a plan to expand the 2030 tournament from the already-approved 48 nations to an unprecedented 64.

The centenary edition—honouring the inaugural 1930 World Cup in Uruguay—is set to be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. According to insiders, the new proposal would see Argentina given a full group-stage schedule rather than just the ceremonial opening matches. Uruguay and Paraguay are also expected to stage a group each, preserving the symbolic link to the competition’s birthplace.

Under this concept, the remaining nine groups would be played across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, which will handle most of the games and infrastructure.

If the governing council signs off, the move would eclipse FIFA’s earlier expansion from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 World Cup, creating the largest global football gathering ever. A final decision is anticipated in the coming months as organisers ramp up preparations for what many are already calling “the most historic World Cup of modern times.”