Gianni Infantino, FIFA's president, announced plans to explore the possibility of expanding the men's World Cup to 64 teams after the 2026 tournament. This statement was made during an interview with Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport, emphasizing the importance of giving every nation a chance to compete on football's biggest stage.
The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time the tournament will feature 48 teams, an increase from the previous 32-team format. Infantino stated, "This is certainly an issue that will be looked at and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup." He believes that a global approach is essential for the tournament.
Potential Benefits of a 64-Team World Cup
Infantino argues that expanding the World Cup would allow smaller nations to participate, fostering growth in football worldwide. He mentioned, "Every nation should be able to dream of taking part in the World Cup." This sentiment aligns with the growing quality of teams globally, which has increased significantly in recent years.
By allowing more teams to compete, FIFA aims to enhance the tournament's inclusivity and excitement. The proposal for a 64-team World Cup first emerged in March 2025, when the South American confederation CONMEBOL suggested expanding the 2030 tournament to commemorate its centenary.
Mixed Reactions from Football Leaders
Victor Montagliani, president of Concacaf, expressed concerns about the impact of such an expansion on the tournament's integrity and the broader football ecosystem. He stated, "I don't believe expanding the men's World Cup to 64 teams is the right move for the tournament itself and the broader football ecosystem, from national teams to club competitions, leagues and players."Furthermore, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has previously described the proposal as "a bad idea," highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding the potential expansion.
What Would a 64-Team World Cup Look Like?
If approved, a 64-team World Cup would feature a total of 128 matches, significantly increasing the number of games compared to the 32-team format used from 1998 to 2022, which had only 64 matches. The current tournament in progress will feature 104 matches.
- Current 32-Team Format: 64 matches
- 2026 World Cup Format: 48 teams, 104 matches
- Proposed 64-Team Format: 128 matches
As FIFA prepares for the 2026 World Cup, the discussions about its future, including the possibility of a 64-team tournament, will continue to evolve, reflecting the changing landscape of international football.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by ESPN Soccer. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
