FIFA president says 64-team World Cup format to be 'examined' and 'debated'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is contemplating a significant expansion of the 2026 World Cup, potentially increasing the number of participating teams from 48 to 64.

Speaking to Swiss media outlet Bluewin, Infantino indicated that this possibility would be thoroughly examined and debated by relevant committees following the current tournament. He emphasized FIFA's commitment to organizing a World Cup that is inclusive of all nations, not just those in Europe and South America. "Every nation should be able to dream of participating," Infantino stated, suggesting that a larger tournament format would fulfill this vision.

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This is certainly a question that will be examined and debated within the competent committees after this World Cup. When organizing one, it is important to design it for the whole world, not just for Europe and South America. Every nation should be able to dream of participating.

Infantino highlighted the success of the 48-team format in the 2026 edition, which allowed several nations, like Cape Verde, to make their World Cup debut. He sees this as a crucial factor in motivating smaller countries to improve their performance. "We observe that the level of teams is extremely high and continues to progress everywhere in the world," he added, arguing that limiting participation could diminish motivation for aspiring nations.

However, the proposed expansion to 64 teams faces potential challenges. While it would eliminate the need for the best third-placed teams to advance, it would add four more groups, further extending the competition's length. The 2026 World Cup has already seen its schedule expanded with the move to 48 teams, and a further increase in teams would necessitate a longer tournament duration.

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We observe that the level of teams is extremely high and continues to progress everywhere in the world. If we do not offer small countries the opportunity to participate in the World Cup, they will no longer have the motivation to continue improving.