FIFA Considering Expansion to 64-Team World Cup Following 2026 Tournament

2026-07-13

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has signaled that the organization is prepared to discuss further expanding the men's World Cup to 64 teams in the years following the 2026 tournament. Citing a desire to ensure every nation can harbor aspirations of reaching football’s greatest stage, Infantino emphasized that the World Cup should be a truly global celebration.

The upcoming 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, represents the first iteration of the tournament to feature 48 teams—an increase from the long-standing 32-team format. However, it appears that growth may not stop there.

Expanding the Global Dream

"This is certainly a topic that will be reviewed and discussed by the relevant committees after this tournament concludes," Infantino stated in an interview with Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport. "When you organize a World Cup, it must be for the entire world, not just Europe and South America. Every country should have the opportunity to dream of participating."

Infantino argued that the quality of international football is rising globally, and that denying smaller nations a path to the World Cup stifles their development. "If you don't give smaller countries the chance to participate, they lose the incentive to keep improving," he added.

The Debate Over Expansion

The proposal for a 64-team tournament first gained traction in March 2025, when the South American confederation, CONMEBOL, suggested the expansion for the 2030 centenary tournament. Since then, high-ranking officials—including Infantino and CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez—have met to discuss the potential for a larger, more inclusive event. Domínguez has been a vocal proponent, stating, "When football is shared by everyone, the celebration is truly global."

However, the idea faces significant pushback from other corners of the football world. In April 2025, Concacaf President Victor Montagliani expressed strong reservations to ESPN, arguing that such an expansion would not benefit the tournament or the broader "football ecosystem," citing concerns regarding the impact on club competitions, domestic leagues, and player welfare. Similarly, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has previously dismissed the proposal as a "bad idea."

The Logistics of a Mega-Tournament

The logistical shift would be massive. A 64-team format would involve 128 matches—a sharp increase from the 104 matches scheduled for the 2026 edition and double the 64 games played under the 32-team format used from 1998 through 2022. While FIFA continues to push for inclusivity, the debate between expanding global access and maintaining the tournament's competitive integrity remains a major point of contention within the sport's governing bodies.