Gianni Infantino says FIFA will examine possibility of 64-team World Cup
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that the organization will discuss expanding the men's World Cup to 64 teams after the 2026 tournament, emphasizing the importance of giving every nation the chance to participate in football's biggest event.
- The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first to feature 48 teams, an increase from the previous 32-team format, with further expansion potentially on the horizon.
- The idea of a 64-team World Cup was first proposed by South America's CONMEBOL for the 2030 tournament, which marks the competition's centenary, and has been supported by several South American football leaders.
- Some officials, like Concacaf president Victor Montagliani, have expressed concerns that expanding to 64 teams may negatively impact the tournament and the broader football ecosystem, including national teams, clubs, and players.
- A 64-team World Cup would involve 128 matches, doubling the number played under the 32-team format used from 1998 to 2022, compared to 104 matches scheduled for the 2026 tournament.
