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.

Diskusyon sa 64 Koponan: Infantino Bukas sa Mas Malaking World Cup

Ayon sa Tuttomercatoweb.

Bakit mahalaga ito

Ang mungkahi ni Gianni Infantino na palawakin ang World Cup sa 64 koponan para sa 2030 ay naglalayong bigyang-diin ang inklusibong pag-unlad ng football sa buong mundo. Sa pamamagitan ng pagdadala ng mas maraming bansa sa kompetisyon, inaasahang mas maraming talento ang madidiskubre at ang football ay mas magiging accessible sa mga mas maliliit na bansa. Ang hakbang na ito ay maaaring magbukas ng mas maraming oportunidad para sa mga koponan mula sa iba't ibang kontinente, na mahalaga sa konteksto ng 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 tournament may decrease 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

Ano ang sinabi ni Gianni Infantino tungkol sa World Cup 2030?
Inihayag ni Gianni Infantino na bukas siya sa posibilidad ng isang 64-nation World Cup para sa edisyon ng 2030.
Bakit nais ni Infantino na palawakin ang World Cup?
Nais ni Infantino na bigyan ng pagkakataon ang mas maraming bansa na makasali sa pinakamalaking football event at upang hindi pigilan ang paglago ng football.
Ano ang kasalukuyang format ng World Cup na magsisimula sa 2026?
Ang kasalukuyang format ng World Cup ay pinalawak sa 48 koponan na magde-debut sa 2026.
Saan gaganapin ang World Cup 2026?
Ang World Cup 2026 ay gaganapin sa Estados Unidos, Canada, at Mexico.
Ano ang reaksyon sa bagong format ng World Cup?
May mga halo-halong reaksyon ang bagong format, kabilang ang mga alalahanin tungkol sa pagbaba ng kalidad at kompetisyon.
What happened in this story?
Diskusyon sa 64 Koponan: Infantino Bukas sa Mas Malaking 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

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