World Cup expansion: talks shift to 64 teams

What's happened

Gianni Infantino says expanding from 48 to 64 teams is an issue to be examined after the current World Cup, arguing 64 teams could make sense for worldwide participation. The 2026 tournament is the first with 48 teams; 2030 plans are under review by FIFA and member associations.

What's behind the headline?

Analysis

• Infantino has signalled that a 64-team World Cup is being considered after the 2026 edition, with discussions to be held in relevant committees. This hints at a potential shift in how the tournament is structured, potentially spreading games across more nations.
• Pro-expansion voices argue that wider participation could grow the sport globally, particularly giving smaller nations a path to the World Cup. Critics warn expansion could disrupt schedules and dilute quality, echoing concerns seen from UEFA and other bodies.
• The 2026 format has already expanded to 48 teams, and this change appears to be the first major test for whether FIFA can broaden the field while maintaining competitiveness. The next steps depend on committee reviews and stakeholder agreement, not a published timetable.
• Readers should watch for how scheduling, host nation commitments, and regional bids adapt if expansion proceeds, and whether this affects qualification processes.

Bottom line: Expansion remains under discussion; concrete decisions will come only after stakeholder review and formal proposals from FIFA committees.

How we got here

A 48-team World Cup is underway in 2026. Calls for expansion have come from FIFA president Gianni Infantino and some regional bodies, while others oppose adding more teams due to concerns about schedule, logistics, and the broader football ecosystem.

Our analysis

BBC Business reports that Infantino is exploring a 64-team expansion after the 2026 World Cup, noting diverse reactions from regional confederations. The Guardian highlights Infantino’s comments that the 48-team World Cup has been a huge success and that expansion could be examined post-2026. Al Jazeera summarizes his insistence that a 64-team field could make sense and that the World Cup must be inclusive to all nations. Reuters/Field Level Media coverage is cross-referenced in the Guardian piece for context on the 48-team format and knockout progression.

Go deeper

• Will FIFA publish a concrete plan for a 64-team World Cup after committee reviews?
• How might expansion affect qualification paths for smaller confederations?
• Which regions are most likely to host additional groups if the field expands?

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