FIFA is open to expanding World Cup to 64 teams, says Infantino

NoFIFA president Gianni Infantino says the organization will consider expanding the World Cup to 64 teams.

In an interview with Blue News, a Swiss news portal, the FIFA president stated that the necessary committees within the organization will investigate and consider the expansion in the near future.

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Giving “smaller countries” the opportunity to compete in the World Cup, according to Infantino, is a “incentive to keep improving”.

“That’s definitely an issue that will be examined and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup,” FIFA president stated

“When organizing a World Cup, it is critical to consider the entire world, not simply Europe and South America. Every nation should be able to dream of competing in the World Cup. You can see that the team quality is incredibly high—and it is only increasing around the world. If smaller countries are denied the opportunity to compete in the World Cup, they will lose motivation to improve.

The World Cup was increased from 32 to 48 teams for the current edition, which is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Infantino stated that the expansion has been a “100 percent” success, noting the fact that nine of ten African clubs advanced from the group stage.

“It has been a big success, with 48 teams. “Every team played exceptionally well,” he remarked.

“Teams from all continents scored goals and received at least one point.” Nine out of ten African teams advanced to the knockout stage. The last World Cup featured only five African teams. That simply goes to demonstrate how crucial it is to include all teams and offer them the opportunity to participate.”

The 2030 World Cup will be the competition’s centenary edition, hosted mostly by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with a few games taking place in Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina. Uruguay hosted the inaugural World Cup in 1930.