Gianni Infantino has announced that FIFA will consider expanding the men’s World Cup to 64 teams following the 2026 tournament, emphasizing that every nation should have the opportunity to aspire to participate in the sport’s premier event.
The upcoming 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first to feature 48 teams, increasing from the previous 32-team format. There’s a possibility for further expansion on the horizon.
“This is undoubtedly a topic that will be addressed and discussed in the appropriate committees after this World Cup,” FIFA’s president stated during an interview with Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport when asked about the potential for a 64-team format. “When organizing a World Cup, it is crucial to represent the whole world—not just Europe and South America, but globally. Every nation should have the dream of participating in the World Cup.”
He added, “The quality of football worldwide is exceptionally high and continues to grow. If smaller nations are not given the chance to participate in the World Cup, they will lose motivation to improve.”
The idea of a 64-team World Cup was first proposed in March 2025 by the South American confederation, CONMEBOL, in relation to the 2030 tournament, which will celebrate the competition’s 100-year anniversary.
In September, Infantino met with CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez along with the heads of the Argentine and Uruguayan football associations, to discuss this proposal in New York.
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Domínguez expressed, “We envision a historic 2030 World Cup. We call for unity, creativity, and big dreams. When football is accessible to everyone, the celebration becomes truly global.”
In April 2025, Concacaf president Victor Montagliani told ESPN, “I don’t believe expanding the men’s World Cup to 64 teams is the right move for the tournament itself or for the broader football ecosystem, which includes national teams, club competitions, leagues, and players.”
If the expansion is approved, a 64-team World Cup could consist of 128 matches, doubling the number played in the 32-team format used from 1998 to 2022. This year’s tournament is set to feature 104 matches.
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has previously described the idea as “a bad idea.”