[Saba Sports News] According to Spanish media reports, FIFA will hold discussions on the proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 66 teams. It is reported that before the first 48-team expanded World Cup even kicks off, a brand-new proposal has been put forward and gained growing popularity. The 2030 World Cup, jointly hosted by Spain, Morocco and Portugal, is planned to further increase the number of participating teams to 66. This expansion plan has been circulating in football circles for months. It originated from CONMEBOL’s call for relaxed qualification standards, allowing more teams that rarely get chances to appear on football’s top stage to secure tournament spots. The idea was merely in the initial proposal and consultation phase back then, yet it has gained momentum again driven by multiple football associations. FIFA and its senior management increasingly believe that this move can truly reflect the diversity and inclusiveness of football.
The editor believes that Gianni Infantino has always maintained that the World Cup is a grand carnival for all nations, and he particularly hopes to benefit countries that have never qualified for the World Cup finals. If this plan is implemented, more countries across the globe will get the chance to step onto the stage of this top-tier football tournament.