Good news! It has been revealed that the 2030 World Cup might expand to 64 teams, with Asia receiving 12.5 spots, giving the Chinese national team a real chance.

On September 25th Beijing time, following the South American Football Confederation's proposal in April to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams, it was revealed that FIFA recently had intense discussions about this plan. At present, FIFA is pushing it forward enthusiastically, and there is a chance it might come to fruition. If this happens, the probability of the Chinese team qualifying for the World Cup will significantly increase. One must say FIFA is really making great efforts to help China qualify!

Currently, the qualification matches for the 2026 World Cup are underway, featuring a grand event with 48 teams competing, and Asia has secured 8.5 slots. Unfortunately, the Chinese team, hindered by their own performance, failed to finish in the top four of their group in the final 18-team round and were eliminated, missing out on the World Cup once again, which is very disappointing. We can only start preparing early for the 2030 World Cup. Although there is still a long time before the 2026 World Cup begins, FIFA is already focusing on the 2030 tournament!

Since 2030 marks the centennial of the World Cup, it is highly commemorative. Although the 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, the first three matches will be held by Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to honor the 100-year anniversary. To make this World Cup even more unique, the South American Football Confederation president proposed expanding the number of participating teams to 64. This proposal caused a huge sensation and sparked intense debates!

There are fans who support it and others who oppose it. Supporters say the number of matches will increase, allowing fans to watch many more games, and the Chinese team will have a chance to qualify. Opponents mainly worry that expansion will let too many weak teams into the World Cup, lowering the competition quality and resulting in many disastrous matches!

So far, with the World Cup expanded to 48 teams, the Chinese team has still exited early. If the 2030 World Cup expands to 64 teams, Asia would have 12.5 slots, and the Chinese team might truly have an opportunity. Emotionally, since China’s participation in 2002, they have missed six consecutive World Cups, making countless Chinese fans wait far too long. We desperately need to qualify again to boost our football enthusiasm. FIFA also hopes the Chinese team will return to the World Cup, so it is believed FIFA will tirelessly promote the expansion plan. Let’s wait and see!

Written by / Sports Fiction