FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed the organization is studying a proposal to expand the World Cup to 64 teams. This potential shift follows the 2026 tournament in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, which is the first to increase the field from 32 to 48 nations. Infantino told Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport that the move aims to provide smaller nations more opportunities to compete and maintain motivation to improve.
CONMEBOL Proposal and the 2030 Centenary Vision
The push for 64 teams originated in March 2025 from CONMEBOL, the South American football confederation. The organization proposed the expansion specifically for the 2030 tournament, which marks the centennial anniversary of the competition.
In September, Infantino held meetings in New York with CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez, as well as the presidents of the Argentine and Uruguayan football federations and the presidents of Paraguay and Uruguay. Domínguez advocated for the expansion to create a “truly global” celebration, stating that football should be shared by all to achieve a historic scale for the 2030 event.
Did you know? A 64-team format would double the number of matches played compared to the 32-team era (1998–2022), jumping from 64 games to 128.
Opposition from UEFA and Concacaf Leadership
Not all football governing bodies support the expansion. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has explicitly labeled the proposal a “bad idea.”
Similarly, Concacaf President Victor Montagliani expressed concerns to ESPN in April 2025. Montagliani argued that moving to 64 teams would be a mistake for the tournament’s integrity and the broader “football ecosystem,” citing potential negative impacts on national teams, club competitions, domestic leagues, and players.
Comparison of Tournament Scales
| Format | Number of Teams | Total Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Format (1998-2022) | 32 | 64 |
| 2026 Format | 48 | 104 |
| Proposed Format | 64 | 128 |
The Logic Behind Global Expansion
Infantino’s support for the study centers on the rising quality of football outside the traditional powerhouses of Europe and South America. He told Blue Sport that if smaller countries are denied the chance to participate, they lose the incentive to progress.
By opening the doors to more nations, FIFA seeks to transform the World Cup into a truly global event rather than one dominated by a few regions.
Pro Tip: For fans and analysts, the primary metric to watch in the 2026 tournament will be the “quality vs. quantity” balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the 2026 World Cup have 64 teams?
No. The 2026 tournament is confirmed for 48 teams. The 64-team expansion is a proposal being studied for future editions, potentially starting in 2030.
Who proposed the 64-team expansion?
CONMEBOL first proposed the expansion in March 2025 to mark the 100th anniversary of the World Cup in 2030.
Why are some officials against the expansion?
Concacaf President Victor Montagliani and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin have cited concerns regarding the football ecosystem, including the impact on players and club competitions.
What do you think? Does expanding the World Cup to 64 teams help grow the game, or does it dilute the quality of the competition? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on international football governance.
Worth a look
