Fifa Weighs 64‑Team World Cup After 2026

Plans Under Review After 2026

After the 2026 tournament, Fifa’s governing bodies will dive into the details of a 64‑team men’s World Cup. The idea first surfaced last year and is now back on the table because the recent 48‑team format proved popular. Gianni Infantino indicated the matter will be examined in the relevant committees once the current tournament concludes.

Infantino stressed that a World Cup must be “for the whole world,” highlighting that every nation should have the chance to dream about competing. He pointed to the rising quality of teams across the globe, noting that smaller nations need incentives to keep improving. The 48‑team model was called a “huge success,” with nine out of ten African sides reaching the knockout stage.

Historically, Africa entered only five teams at the previous tournament, a gap that the expanded format helped close. This trend underscores why Fifa is considering further enlargement. The proposal would add more nations, especially from regions that currently have limited representation.

Stakeholder Reactions and Concerns

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin called the expansion a “bad idea” for both the tournament and its qualifying cycles. AFC president Sheikh Salman warned that more teams would bring “chaos” to the competition. Concacaf’s Victor Montagliani said the idea “doesn’t feel right” and could hurt the broader football ecosystem.

Conversely, Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House’s World Cup task force, suggested the United States could bid for the 2038 tournament and would be capable of handling 64 teams. Fifa maintains it will discuss any expansion with council members before a final decision. There is no expectation of an immediate verdict.

The Fifa Council approved the move from 32 to 48 teams in 2017, setting a precedent for future growth. A formal proposal to stretch the 2030 edition to 64 teams was submitted by Conmebol in April 2025, yet no consensus has emerged. The debate reflects differing views on how large the World Cup can become while preserving its competitive integrity.

2030 Hosting Landscape

The 2030 World Cup will be staged by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay each hosting an opening match. These locations were chosen to mark the competition’s centenary. The multi‑nation hosting model showcases the sport’s global reach and the desire to spread the event across continents.

The varied venues aim to boost attendance and fan engagement, mirroring the inclusive spirit Infantino described. By spreading the tournament, hosts hope to inspire new generations in both traditional football powerhouses and emerging markets. The 2030 schedule will serve as a testing ground for the logistics of a larger field.

Future Outlook

Whether the 64‑team format becomes reality will depend on the consensus of Fifa’s council and its members’ readiness to manage the scale. Expanding the tournament could increase revenue and exposure but also risks stretching resources. Ultimately, the decision will shape the World Cup’s identity for decades to come.