FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the organization will consider expanding the men’s World Cup to 64 teams [1].
This potential expansion marks a significant shift in the tournament's scale, continuing a trend toward greater inclusivity and increased revenue for the global game. A larger field would allow more nations to compete on the world stage, though it raises questions about player fatigue and match quality.
The assessment for the proposed 64-team format [1] will take place after the 2026 World Cup [3]. This follows the current transition to a 48-team tournament [2], which is the first of its kind in the history of the competition.
Infantino said the proposal will be examined in detail once the 2026 tournament ends [3]. He said the expansion is necessary because football needs to be "for the whole world" [1].
By increasing the number of participants, FIFA aims to make the tournament more inclusive for nations that have historically struggled to qualify. The move would further deviate from the traditional 32-team structure that defined the event for decades.
Infantino said he has opened the door to further expanding the World Cup to 64 teams [2]. The organization has not yet released a specific timeline for when a final decision on the format will be voted upon by the FIFA Council.
“football needs to be "for the whole world"”
The proposal to move to 64 teams suggests FIFA is prioritizing global market penetration and inclusivity over the traditional exclusivity of the tournament. While this expansion provides more opportunities for emerging football nations, it creates logistical challenges for host cities and increases the physical demand on athletes who already face congested international calendars.
