Infantino on Expanding World Cup to 64 Teams: 'Will Be Examined and Debated'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino indicated that the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams will undergo examination and debate within the appropriate committees following the current tournament hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

"It is a topic that will be examined and debated in the corresponding committees after this World Cup," Infantino told Bluewin, as reported by L'Equipe. He stressed the importance of designing the tournament for a global audience, stating, "When you organize one, it is important to design it for everyone, not just for Europe and South America. Every nation should be able to dream of participating."

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It is a topic that will be examined and debated in the corresponding committees after this World Cup. When you organize one, it is important to design it for everyone, not just for Europe and South America. Every nation should be able to dream of participating.

Infantino highlighted the continuous improvement in the global standard of football. "We can see that the level of the teams is extremely high and continues to improve worldwide," he said. He further argued that restricting participation could negatively impact the development of the sport in smaller nations. "If small countries are not given the opportunity to participate in the World Cup, they will no longer have the motivation to continue improving," the FIFA president added.

The current World Cup, which began on June 11 and concludes on July 19, features 48 participating teams, an increase from previous editions. The discussion around further expansion reflects FIFA's ongoing efforts to broaden the tournament's reach and inclusivity.

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We can see that the level of the teams is extremely high and continues to improve worldwide. If small countries are not given the opportunity to participate in the World Cup, they will no longer have the motivation to continue improving.