FIFA President Gianni Infantino signaled openness to expanding the men's World Cup from 48 teams to 64 teams, postponing any formal decision until after the 2026 tournament concludes. Infantino framed the potential expansion as part of football's global mission, stating the sport needs to be "for the whole world."
The statement comes as FIFA prepares to host the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Mexico, and Canada with an expanded 48-team format, a recent change from the traditional 32-team structure. That tournament will operate with 16 groups of three teams each, a format designed to test whether larger fields work competitively.
A 64-team expansion would represent the next logical step in FIFA's ongoing push to democratize tournament access. More teams would mean wider geographic representation and increased revenue opportunities for FIFA, which generates billions annually through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and hosting fees. Smaller football federations have long advocated for expanded World Cups, viewing them as pathways to competitive legitimacy and financial benefit.
The decision to study a 64-team format after 2026 reflects FIFA's cautious approach to major structural changes. The organization likely wants data from the 48-team 2026 experiment before committing to further expansion. Critics worry that larger tournaments could dilute competitive quality and extend already lengthy competitions, straining club schedules and player welfare.
Infantino's emphasis on inclusion signals FIFA's direction under his administration, which has prioritized expanding tournament opportunities across continents. Whether a 64-team World Cup becomes reality depends on logistics, broadcast viability, and feedback from the 2026 format test. The conversation now moves to detailed planning, with a final verdict expected within the next four years.