RFEF President Louzán Open to 64-Team Format for 2030 World Cup

Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Rafael Louzán has indicated his support for potentially expanding the 2030 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, to include 64 teams. This statement follows recent remarks from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who suggested that a larger tournament format would be examined and debated by relevant committees.

Infantino’s rationale for considering an expanded World Cup centers on providing more opportunities for smaller nations to participate, thereby increasing global engagement and motivating development within their footballing structures. Louzán echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the current 48-team format has already demonstrated the positive impact of broader participation across various countries.

Por que importa

Louzán’s comments were made during an interview with ‘El Larguero’ on Cadena Ser, where he shared his evolving perspective on the feasibility of a 64-team World Cup. “I could have been skeptical at first, but the reality is different,” Louzán stated, adding that discussions with FIFA indicate that such an expansion is “not dismissible.” He highlighted the positive projection of football across 16 additional countries in the current 48-team tournament, citing examples like Cape Verde and Curaçao.

The RFEF president also suggested that an increase in the number of participating teams would necessitate a format adjustment. Under the current 48-team setup, the top two teams from each group advance, along with the best third-placed teams. Louzán proposed that with 64 teams, a simpler format where only the top two from each group progress could be implemented, providing a clear justification for the expansion from a structural standpoint.

Contexto

“From this perspective, it would have justification,” Louzán explained regarding the potential format change. He emphasized Spain’s readiness to host an increased number of teams, stating, “Spain is prepared to receive 48 or 64 teams, whatever is deemed most convenient.” This indicates a proactive stance from the RFEF in preparing for various scenarios related to the 2030 tournament.

The discussion around expanding the World Cup format has been ongoing, with FIFA continually assessing ways to make the tournament more inclusive and globally representative. The 2026 World Cup, for instance, will see an increase to 48 teams, marking the first expansion since 1998. The 2030 tournament holds particular significance as it marks the centenary of the World Cup and will be hosted across three continents, with initial matches scheduled to take place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to commemorate the first tournament held in 1930.

The potential for a 64-team format in 2030, if approved, would represent another significant expansion, further broadening the reach of the world’s premier international football competition. The logistical and infrastructural implications for the host nations, as well as the impact on the tournament’s schedule, would be key considerations in any final decision.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|—|—|
| Event | FIFA World Cup 2030 |
| Proposed Expansion | From 48 teams to 64 teams |
| Supporters | FIFA President Gianni Infantino, RFEF President Rafael Louzán |
| Host Nations | Spain, Portugal, Morocco |
| Rationale | Increased participation for smaller nations, enhanced global reach |

The prospect of a 64-team World Cup in 2030 presents an exciting possibility for global football, potentially offering more nations the chance to compete on the world stage. For fans of the sport, this expansion could mean more diverse matchups and a broader celebration of international football. The RFEF’s preparedness to accommodate a larger tournament underscores the ambition for Spain’s role in co-hosting a landmark event.

Source: Mundo Deportivo Futbol – https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/mundial/20260714/1004206223/rafael-louzan-moja-posible-mundial-2030-64-selecciones.html

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