FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly considering a significant expansion of the World Cup to 64 teams, a proposal that would further enlarge the tournament after the 2026 edition concluded with 48 nations competing.

The suggestion comes as football's global governing body reviews the format and future of its flagship competition. The recently concluded 2026 World Cup, hosted across North America, marked the first time 48 teams participated, an increase from the 32-team format that had been in place since 1998.

Logistical Hurdles for Larger Format

Such a substantial expansion would present considerable logistical challenges for future host nations. Increasing the number of participating teams by a third from the current format would necessitate a greater number of high-quality stadiums, expanded training facilities, and more extensive infrastructure for accommodation and transport.

The 48-team structure of the 2026 tournament already led to an extended schedule compared to previous editions. A 64-team World Cup would inevitably stretch the competition's duration even further, potentially creating more pressure on player welfare and clashing with the demanding club football calendar.

Host nations would also face increased financial and organisational burdens, requiring a robust network of cities capable of staging matches and accommodating hundreds of thousands of fans over several weeks. Previous expansions have often been driven by a desire to offer more nations the chance to compete on the world stage, alongside commercial considerations.

Future of Global Football

The potential move aligns with FIFA's broader strategy under President Infantino to globalise football further and increase revenue streams. Larger tournaments typically mean more matches, which translates into greater broadcasting rights and sponsorship opportunities.

However, the concept is likely to prompt discussions among national federations, top clubs, and player unions about the optimal balance between global participation and the quality and intensity of the competition. The current 48-team format for 2026 involved 12 groups of four teams, with the top two and eight best third-placed teams progressing to the knockout rounds.

Any decision on a 64-team World Cup for the 2030 tournament or beyond would require approval from the FIFA Council. The debate over the tournament's size continues to shape the international football landscape, with implications for both the elite level and the development of the sport worldwide.