The 2026 World Cup has received great feedback with its 48-team field and now Gianni Infantino and FIFA want to expand the tournament again.
This summer’s World Cup marks the first time that the competition has increased beyond 32 countries. However, Infantino and Co. are clearly eyeing another expansion in the future given the additional eyeballs and revenue.
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Infantino confirms that he wants more nations playing in the World Cup as he plots for 64 teams in the near future. This would align with FIFA’s plans to expand the tournament and become more similar to March Madness.
Gianni Infantino confirmed that FIFA will discuss expanding the men’s World Cup to 64 teams after the 2026 tournament, saying every nation should have the chance to dream of playing at football’s biggest event. https://t.co/HvBTuagd8h
— ESPN (@espn) July 13, 2026
The 2026 edition of the competition is drawing major plaudits from fans with new countries like Cape Verde and Haiti having success. Meanwhile, the reality of the World Cup is that the infrequency of the event always draws major attention.
Infantino wants expanded FIFA World Cup
College basketball’s success over the years with March Madness is clearly rubbing off on other sports like soccer. Infantino is undoubtedly aiming to feature more top countries from around the globe in the World Cup.
“When you organize a World Cup, it’s important that you organize it for the whole world,” Infantino said. “It’s not just Europe and South America, but the entire world, effectively. Every nation should be able to dream of taking part in the World Cup.”
Another World Cup expansion surely benefits federations in Africa, Asia, Caribbean and other areas that aren’t regularly featured. Meanwhile, it could also prevent top countries like Italy from missing out on the tournament.
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If FIFA does go through with the plans for 64 countries, teams would end up playing 128 matches during the tournament. The 2026 World Cup is currently playing 104 matches with its 48-team event.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
When will FIFA expand to a 64-team World Cup?
Executives from FIFA and top federations first floated the idea of 64 teams back in 2025. However, given the World Cup’s success this summer it’s evident that Infantino wants the idea to become a reality.
CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez expressed his support for the concept, which could come as early the 2030 tournament.
The next World Cup marks the 100-year anniversary of the competition, which is set to be played in Morocco, Portugal and Spain. However, opening matches are likely to be played in Argentina and Uruguay as an homage to the 1930 World Cup in South America.
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