FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the World Cup could be expanded to 64 teams [1] in future editions of the tournament.
This proposal signals a potential shift toward a more inclusive global format, though it risks stretching the schedule and diluting the prestige of the competition. A move to a larger field would fundamentally change how nations qualify for the world's most watched sporting event.
Infantino said this Monday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida [2]. The timing coincides with the final week of the 2026 tournament, specifically during the buildup to the semi-final match between England and Argentina scheduled for Wednesday [1].
According to Infantino, a larger tournament would allow more nations to participate [1]. He said this expansion would remove the need for third-place qualification situations, which he believes would enrich the overall World Cup experience [1].
Not all football officials support the idea. Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz said the potential expansion was a bad idea [2].
FIFA has not yet announced a formal vote or a specific timeline for when such a change would take effect. The current tournament is already operating under an expanded format compared to previous eras, and a jump to 64 teams [1] would represent the largest growth in the event's history.
“the tournament could be expanded to 64 teams”
The proposal to move to a 64-team format reflects FIFA's ongoing strategy to globalize the sport and increase revenue through more matches. However, the friction between the presidency and national team coaches suggests a growing divide between the administrative desire for growth and the athletic concern for player welfare and competitive quality.
