President of the sport’s governing body, Gianni Infantino, has suggested that the 2026 Men’s World Cup is not the conclusion of expansions and that FIFA committees will examine growing the tournament to 64 teams once it finishes.
The tournament is being hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico in 2026 with 48 teams, after being expanded from the usual 32. However, President Gianni Infantino said the organization would discuss a further expansion once the tournament is completed in comments made to Blue Sport.
“The World Cup must be open to all countries,” he said. “The smaller countries must have the dream of participating in the World Cup. “Football has to expand. Those who do not constantly participate may be discouraged and lose the will to improve.” The concept of expansion has also been put forward by CONMEBOL in the build-up to the 2030 centenary tournament, where South American football chief Alejandro Dominguez insisted that the concept ‘unites the football world’.
Despite the positive connotations, the idea has drawn criticism, with North America (Concacaf) and Europe (UEFA) expressing concerns regarding the effect it would have on football’s calendar.
Such a move would increase the number of games from 104 in 2026 to 128 if it were to be expanded to 64 teams.
