Infantino signals 64‑team World Cup possibility

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, speaking to Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport, said the 2026 World Cup will be evaluated to decide whether the competition could grow to 64 teams. “The success of the 48‑team edition shows we can expand; we must look at a 64‑team format for a fully global tournament,” Infantino explained.

He added that all football confederations should have a realistic chance to dream of participation, citing the surge of African teams in the knock‑out stages of the current format. “When clubs from smaller nations see their chances, they are motivated to improve,” he stated.

However, several confederations have voiced concerns. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin called the idea a “bad idea” for both the game and the qualification structure, while the AFC and Concacaf presidents warned of chaos and ecosystem damage. The White House’s World Cup task force leader, Andrew Giuliani, suggested the U.S. might host a 2038 64‑team edition.

Adopting a larger field would raise logistical hurdles: the 2030 tournament already spans six countries, and a 64‑team event would require 128 matches. The FIFA council may ultimately decide on the proposal, but in the near term it remains a topic of debate.