FIFA Considers Expanding Men's World Cup to 64 Teams

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that football’s governing body will officially debate expanding the men's World Cup to 64 teams following the conclusion of the 2026 tournament.

Speaking to Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport, Infantino labeled the current 48-team format in North America a "huge success," highlighting the rise of smaller footballing nations. He noted that nine out of ten African teams reached the knockout stages and proving that broader inclusion raises global quality.

"Every nation should be allowed to dream of participating," Infantino said, arguing that expansion provides smaller countries with the incentive to improve.

The 64-team proposal was originally introduced by the South American confederation CONMEBOL in April 2025 for the 2030 centenary tournament. Under the proposed model, the three South American co-hosts—Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay—could each host a full four-team group rather than just a single opening match. The remaining games of the 2030 tournament are scheduled across Morocco, Portugal and Spain.

An expansion to 64 teams would double the match count of the traditional 32-team format, resulting in 128 matches.

However the plan faces heavy resistance from major football executives. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin called it a "bad idea" Concacaf President Victor Montagliani warned it could damage the football ecosystem and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa warned it would bring "chaos."

The FIFA Council will ultimately decide on the proposal after reviewing the 2026 tournament outcomes.