FIFA Considers Expanding the World Cup to 64 Teams
Sport
FIFA may once again reshape the FIFA World Cup. After the conclusion of the 2026 tournament, the organization plans to discuss expanding the final tournament from 48 to 64 national teams.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the proposal will be reviewed after the World Cup concludes, with the final scheduled for July 19. According to him, the future of global football should reflect the interests of all continents, not only Europe and South America.
Infantino emphasized that qualifying for the World Cup is a powerful incentive for football development in smaller nations. He believes the opportunity to compete on the world's biggest football stage encourages national associations to invest in player development and sports infrastructure.
The FIFA president also praised the 48-team format introduced at the 2026 World Cup, noting that teams from every confederation managed to score goals and earn at least one point, which he described as evidence of the reform's success.
The expanded format also enabled Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan to make their FIFA World Cup debut in 2026.
Infantino emphasized that qualifying for the World Cup is a powerful incentive for football development in smaller nations. He believes the opportunity to compete on the world's biggest football stage encourages national associations to invest in player development and sports infrastructure.
The FIFA president also praised the 48-team format introduced at the 2026 World Cup, noting that teams from every confederation managed to score goals and earn at least one point, which he described as evidence of the reform's success.
The expanded format also enabled Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan to make their FIFA World Cup debut in 2026.
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