Bosnia and Herzegovina in focus as FIFA considers expanded 2030 World Cup

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national team could gain two extra spots in the European qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup if FIFA approves a 64-team expansion. The current plan is for 48 teams, but Gianni Infantino has pushed for more inclusion.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has argued that a larger tournament gives more nations a chance to compete. “It’s important to organize the World Cup for the whole world, not just Europe and South America,” Infantino told Blue Sport.

How would qualifiers change for Bosnia and Herzegovina?

If FIFA confirms the 64-team format, UEFA would receive 18 spots instead of the current 16. That means Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European qualifying path would become slightly less crowded.

The biggest winners would be Africa and Asia, which could gain three or even four extra places. Europe and South America would see only modest increases of two spots each.

What is already locked in for 2030?

Hosts Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay have already secured their places. The remaining 58 spots would be decided through qualifiers.

UEFA currently holds 16 direct spots for an 48-team tournament. With expansion, Bosnia and Herzegovina would face stiffer competition but also more opportunities to qualify.

Why is FIFA pushing for more teams?

The main driver is tapping into massive markets. China (1.4 billion people) and India (1.47 billion) lead the list, followed by Indonesia and Nigeria. FIFA wants to leverage their huge fan bases.

How could the format change?

A 64-team World Cup might add extra group stages or extended knockout rounds. Infantino insists the quality of teams worldwide keeps rising, making expansion a natural step.

Bosnia and Herzegovina will need to raise their game in qualifiers to secure a spot. They currently sit in a group with Finland, Denmark, Slovenia, Kazakhstan and Northern Ireland — teams that will only get tougher with more spots on the line.