FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated that discussions will be held regarding the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams.
According to HA Viewpoint, Infantino revealed this at a press conference in Paris on March 6, 2025. He noted that the idea had been raised during a meeting of the FIFA Council and that “the feasibility will be seriously examined.”
Currently, the World Cup is set to expand from 32 to 48 teams starting with the 2026 edition. Infantino suggested a potential further expansion to 64 teams, which would bring more nations into the global spotlight and create more exciting matchups.
“We’ve heard voices from many smaller footballing nations who dream of a spot on the world’s biggest stage. This is about making the game truly global,” Infantino said. “We need to weigh the pros and cons, but it’s certainly an idea worth debating.”
However, the proposal has already sparked some controversy. Critics argue that expanding the tournament too much could dilute the quality of play and place additional strain on host nations. Supporters, on the other hand, believe it would increase inclusivity and generate more revenue for FIFA.
Infantino emphasized that no concrete decisions have been made yet, and the matter will be discussed in greater depth at next month’s FIFA Congress.