FIFA president Gianni Infantino has stated that the organisation will consider expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, marking another significant change to the tournament. Speaking ahead of the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, Infantino declared the inaugural 48-team edition a massive success and hinted at further growth.
Infantino Defends Expansion
When asked whether the expansion to 48 teams was the right decision, Infantino told Swiss publication Bluewin: "Yes, 100 per cent! It's been a huge success with 48 teams. Every team played at a high level. Teams from every continent scored goals and earned at least one point." He highlighted that nine out of ten African teams reached the knockout stage, compared to only five African teams at the previous World Cup, arguing that inclusion gives smaller nations the incentive to improve.
Details of Proposed Expansion
The World Cup has grown from 13-16 teams in its early editions to 24 in 1982, then 32 in 1998, and now 48 in 2026. Infantino confirmed that a further increase to 64 teams "will be examined and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup." The 2030 tournament, hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, could potentially feature 64 teams, doubling the size from the 2022 edition.
Infantino emphasised that the World Cup should be for the entire world, not just Europe and South America. "Every nation should be allowed to dream of participating in the World Cup," he said. He also noted that the quality of teams is rising globally, and denying smaller countries a chance would hinder their development.
Fan Reactions Divided
The proposal has sparked debate among football supporters. One user on X questioned: "Why stop at 64? Just invite all 211 FIFA nations. Let's have a nine-month World Cup hosted across 45 different countries. Think of the broadcast revenue! Who cares if the players' legs literally snap in half by December as long as FIFA executives get their yacht money? Games gone."
Another argued: "World Cup should be 32 teams. Eight groups of four, every game with something on the line, no dead rubbers, no group-of-three shenanigans-quality over quantity. Forty-eight was already a stretch. Sixty-four would turn the greatest tournament on earth into a marathon of mismatches."
However, a counterpoint emerged: "Sixty-four would likely be played in the same timeframe, add zero games per team, and the quality of team 33-48 at this tournament is clearly not lacking. Oh, and the format is cleaner. Sixty-four is a win for everyone, whether they know it or not." One critic called Infantino "a fraud" and described the expansion as a "disgraceful abuse of power," adding: "No need for 48 Teams. Cap the ticket prices. Keep politics out."
Infantino's Track Record
Infantino has championed tournament expansion since taking office. As UEFA Secretary General, he oversaw the European Championship's growth from 16 to 24 teams for the 2016 edition. The Euros began with four teams, doubled to eight in 1980, and again to 16 in 1996.
The 2026 World Cup semi-finals feature England against Argentina and France against Spain. Infantino's comments come as FIFA considers further changes to the world's biggest sporting event.
