Potential World Cup expansion to 64 teams to be discussed after 2026 edition: FIFA President Infantino
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has indicated that a potential expansion of the World Cup to 64 teams will be discussed following the 2026 tournament. Infantino defended the current 48-team format as a success for global inclusivity and competitive quality.
Why it matters
The expansion of the world's most popular sporting event has significant economic and logistical implications for host nations and global football governance.
Any further expansion of the World Cup , increasing the number of teams participating at the finals to 64, will be discussed after this year's edition, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said without providing any details.
The 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States have seen 48 teams for the first time, a decision that was heavily criticised but which has not provoked much debate since the tournament kicked off on June 11.
"These are all issues that we will be examining after the World Cup," Infantino, who successfully pushed for the expansion of the finals from 32 teams, told Swiss television outlet Blue Sport.
He did not elaborate, saying only: "I think it is important that when you want to organise a World Cup, you do it for the whole world — not just Europe and South America, but effectively the entire world.
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