World football's governing body is quietly exploring a dramatic overhaul of its flagship event. A document seen by Reuters reveals that FIFA is commissioning an independent study into expanding the 2030 World Cup from 48 to 64 teams, a move that would coincide with the tournament's centennial and potentially redefine its scale. Main Developments FIFA intends to hire an external agency to evaluate the feasibility and consequences of adding 16 more nations to the competition. The research brief states: "FIFA wishes to appoint an independent agency to determine whether and how expanding the FIFA World Cup from 48 to 64 participating national teams, starting with the 2030 edition, would impact on the tournament proposition." That expansion would follow the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which already grew the field from 32 to 48 teams. The 2026 edition, the first such increase since 1998, introduced four additional groups and an extra knockout round, stretching the schedule to 104 matches over more than five weeks. Read also: Shan Masood's Injury: A Test of Pakistan's Resilience The proposed analysis will weigh competitive balance, qualification pathways, player welfare, and the international calendar. It will also project potential revenues from ticket sales, sponsorship, and media rights. Background The idea originated last year when South American confederation CONMEBOL formally proposed a 64-team format for 2030. That proposal aimed to give more countries a chance to join the centennial celebrations. However, opposition has been vocal. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin dismissed the concept last year, and the European body's stance remains unchanged. Asian Football Confederation President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa also questioned the direction, asking where further expansion might end. Why It Matters Expanding to 64 teams would fundamentally alter the World Cup's structure and appeal. Proponents argue it could grow the game globally, while critics warn of diluted competition, congested calendars, and operational strain on hosts. The study's outcome will signal FIFA's appetite for change and could set a precedent for future tournaments. The final recommendation must demonstrate not only incremental value but also its sustainability, according to the document. What's Next FIFA will select the agency on August 14, with a tight four-week deadline for the analysis, due by September 11. The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, with Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay each staging one match to mark the centennial.