Infantino envisions a 64-team World Cup
There is a possibility that the next World Cup in 2030 could expand to 64 participating teams.
Gianni Infantino has confirmed that FIFA is considering expanding the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams. The tournament, which will be hosted by Spain, Morocco and Portugal, with opening matches also taking place in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, could become the largest in history. For now, the proposal remains under discussion, but after the positive reception to the 48-team World Cup, a further expansion has not been ruled out.
As Diario AS reported two months ago, the idea is back on the table, driven primarily by CONMEBOL, whose leaders intend to present a formal proposal at the next FIFA Congress to increase the number of participating nations at the tournament in four years’ time.
In an interview with the Swiss newspaper Bluewin, the FIFA president openly acknowledged that the issue could be discussed at upcoming FIFA Council meetings.
“It is an issue that has been examined and debated in the relevant committees once this World Cup is over. When you organize one, it’s important to design it for the whole world, not just Europe and South America. Every nation should be able to dream of taking part.”
Infantino defended FIFA’s previous expansion from 32 to 48 teams, arguing that it has been a success: “That was the reason the tournament expanded from 32 to 48 teams, and the reality is that the move has been a success. None of the participating teams have been out of place, and all have met or exceeded expectations.”
He also insisted that giving smaller footballing nations more opportunities is essential for the sport’s long-term growth: “We can see that the level of teams is extremely high and continues to improve worldwide. If smaller countries are not given the opportunity to participate, they will no longer have the motivation to keep improving.”
The success of the expanded tournament in North America has strengthened the case among supporters of a 64-team competition. Many within football believe a larger field would also allow the three South American co-hosts to stage more than the single match currently allocated to each. While only a limited number of stadiums in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay currently meet FIFA’s requirements, each country could realistically host an entire group.
March 2027 could prove decisive. FIFA’s Congress in Morocco is scheduled to hold presidential elections, and the proposal is expected to be a major talking point. Until recently, Infantino enjoyed broad support across the football world. However, recent political tensions have complicated that landscape, and some observers question whether expanding the tournament again would be wise, given that it would include more than a quarter of FIFA’s 211 member associations.
As the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, pursues a 64-team World Cup, here's a look at how the tournament has grown over its 96-year history 🧐 pic.twitter.com/AKQabk25Aq
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) July 13, 2026
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