Published：Jul 11, 12:52Last updated：Jul 12, 19:18

FIFA Considers 64-Team World Cup Expansion

Jul. 11, 2026 12:52

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirms that expanding the World Cup to 64 teams is now under consideration.

Summarized

8News

8Media

Jul. 12, 2026 15:16

FIFA president Gianni Infantino suggested expanding the World Cup to 64 teams before the 2030 tournament. He called the current 48-team format a success but emphasized inclusivity for all regions. The proposal will be examined by FIFA committees after the 2026 World Cup. Infantino aims to globalize the event further.

Jul. 12, 2026 19:18

FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced plans to explore a 64-team men's World Cup after the 2026 tournament, emphasizing inclusivity in football. The statement was made on July 12, 2026. Infantino believes football should be accessible globally. The proposal will be assessed in detail post-2026. The expansion aims to broaden participation in the sport's premier event.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that expanding the World Cup to 64 teams is under serious consideration, following the perceived success of the current 48-team format at the 2026 tournament. The proposal aims to make football's premier event more inclusive, allowing smaller nations like Curacao, Uzbekistan, and Jordan to compete on the global stage. The final decision will be made after evaluating the ongoing tournament hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Tagesschau.de+2

🌍 Global Inclusivity Push

Infantino emphasized that every nation deserves the opportunity to dream of World Cup participation, calling the current expansion to 48 teams a success. He highlighted how smaller nations have benefited from the increased slots, citing examples like Curacao and Uzbekistan making their mark. The 64-team proposal would further democratize access to the tournament. RIA Novosti+2

⏳ Timeline for Decision

The expansion plan will be formally reviewed by FIFA committees after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup on July 19. Infantino suggested the change could be implemented as early as the 2030 tournament. The evaluation process will assess logistical challenges and competitive balance. The Guardian+2

🏟️ Hosting Challenges Ahead

Expanding to 64 teams would require significant infrastructure adjustments, including more stadiums and extended tournament durations. The 2026 edition already spans three countries (U.S., Canada, Mexico) to accommodate 48 teams. FIFA has not yet detailed how additional matches would be scheduled or hosted under the new proposal. RIA Novosti+2

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