In brief
After the 192‑game, 48‑team World Cup in 2026, FIFA President Gianni Infantino says the tournament should be truly global and proposes a review of a 64‑team format. The 48‑team edition proved popular, with nine African teams reaching the knockout stage, a leap from just five in 2018. Infantino highlighted that the effort to reach all nations should continue, but noted widespread concerns from UEFA, AFC, and ConCACAF over logistical overload and potential chaos. While the idea remains on the table, no immediate decision has been taken, and the FIFA Council will ultimately decide for the 2030 edition. The proposal puts national associations, hosting nations, and fans in a lively debate about the future of the most watched sporting event on Earth.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino opened a discussion this week about expanding the men’s World Cup to 64 teams after the 2026 finals proved to be a huge success.
In a press conference for Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport, Infantino urged the tournament to be “for the whole world”. He said that because the 48‑team format attracted more teams from Africa—nine qualifying for the knockout stage versus five in 2018—it proved the global reach needed for a larger event.
Infantino noted that the success of 48 teams means the next step is to “examine after the World Cup whether 64 teams could work”. He added that if smaller nations aren’t given a spot, they lack the incentive to develop.
The proposal arrived after Conmebol put forward a plan for a 64‑team 2030 edition in April 2025. While FIFA remains open to discussions, the club’s leaders, including UEFA president Aleksandar Ceferin, AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa and Concacaf president Victor Montagliani, criticised the idea as an “unnecessary chaos” that would strain the football ecosystem.
The 2030 World Cup is slated to be hosted by six countries: Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and the centenary hosts Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. In 2034, Saudi Arabia would be asked to host an expanded bracket, raising doubts about logistically managing 128 matches.
FIFA’s official stance remains that any expansion ideas will be discussed with stakeholders and no decision is imminent. The conversation will continue after the 2026 event, and the world’s followers may decide if the dream of 64 nations comes true or not.
