World Cup

64 Team Discussion: Infantino Open to Bigger World Cup

14 July 2026·4 min read·Pilar Ríos
64 Team Discussion: Infantino Open to Bigger World Cup

President Gianni Infantino is open to the possibility of 64 teams in the 2030 World Cup, aiming to give more countries the hope of participating in football's biggest game.

64 Team Discussion: Infantino Open to Bigger World Cup

According to Tuttomercatoweb.

Why it matters

Gianni Infantino's proposal to expand the World Cup to 64 teams for 2030 aims to emphasize the inclusive development of football around the world. By bringing more countries to the competition, it is expected that more talent will be discovered and football will become more accessible to smaller countries. This move could open up more opportunities for teams from different continents, which is important in the context of World Cup 2026 football.

Key Points

  • 64 Team Discussion: Infantino Open to Bigger World Cup.
  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino is considering a wider World Cup with 64 teams for the 2030 edition.
  • Mondiale a 64 squadre? Infantino favorevole all'idea e ci pensa per l'edizione del 2030.
After the controversial decision to expand the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams this 2026, Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, once again announced his open stance on the possibility of a 64-nation World Cup in the 2030 edition. In an interview with a Swiss channel, Infantino made it clear that he wants to extend the opportunity to many countries to be part of the biggest football event in the world. "When you organize the World Cup, you have to think about the whole world, and not just Europe or South America," Infantino stressed. According to him, the extension of the tournament will open the door to nations that previously remained on the sidelines of the competition. "Every country should receive the opportunity to dream of participating. If we don't give this opportunity to smaller countries, it can stop the growth of football," the FIFA chief added.
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It can be remembered that the current expansion to 48 teams will debut in the World Cup 2026 which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. But, the new format has had mixed reactions, including concern about declining quality and competition. Infantino was proud of the outcome of the expanded competition, noting: "This edition was a great success. All teams showed a high level of play, and every continent had a representative to score and contribute points." A historic point that Infantino also emphasized, nine out of ten African nations reached the knockout stage of the previous World Cups, which he said is proof of the development of the wider global football ecosystem. But even if the 64-team format goes ahead, it will have a big impact not only on the finals but also on the continental qualifiers, because it is possible that more people will be able to enter directly—reducing the importance of competing in the continental qualifying. It is said that the overall level of the competition may drop if the said system is implemented, because spots may be given to countries that are not used to high competition. However, Infantino's proposal aims to make the World Cup a true "festival of the world"—not just for the big names of Europe and South America, but as a representation of everyone who dreams of appearing on the world football stage. Expect debate and analysis to deepen before such a sweeping change is finally implemented for 2030.

What's next

If Infantino's plan comes to fruition, the qualification processes for the World Cup 2030 could change. Countries will have to prepare for tougher competition in their regions, which could bring about a higher level of play. Reactions from football associations and fans will be important in shaping the next steps towards a wider World Cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Gianni Infantino say about the World Cup 2030?

Gianni Infantino has revealed that he is open to the possibility of a 64-nation World Cup for the 2030 edition.

Why does Infantino want to expand the World Cup?

Infantino wants to give more countries the opportunity to participate in the biggest football event and not to stop the growth of football.

What is the current format of the World Cup starting in 2026?

The current World Cup format has been expanded to 48 teams to debut in 2026.

Where will the World Cup 2026 be held?

The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

What is the reaction to the new World Cup format?

The new format has had mixed reactions, including concerns about declining quality and competition.

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Mga Madalas na Itanong

What did Gianni Infantino say about the World Cup 2030?
Gianni Infantino has revealed that he is open to the possibility of a 64-nation World Cup for the 2030 edition.
Why does Infantino want to expand the World Cup?
Infantino wants to give more countries the opportunity to participate in the biggest football event and not to stop the growth of football.
What is the current format of the World Cup starting in 2026?
The current format of the World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams which will debut in 2026.
Where will the World Cup 2026 be held?
The World Cup 2026 will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
What has been the reaction to the new World Cup format?
The new format had mixed reactions, including concerns about declining quality and competition.
What happened in this story?
Discussion on 64 Teams: Infantino Opens at Bigger World Cup summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.
World Cup 2026Mundial 2026La TriSelección de EcuadorGianni Infantino
https://azkalsgoal.com/en/news/diskusyon-sa-64-koponan-infantino-bukas-sa-mas-malaking-world-cup-para-sa-2030

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