FIFA to consider expanding men's World Cup to 64 teams for 2030 edition, Infantino confirms

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the organization will examine the possibility of expanding the men's World Cup to 64 teams ahead of the 2030 tournament. The news comes as the current 48-team format in the United States, Canada, and Mexico has drawn widespread praise for its quality and competitiveness. Speaking to Swiss publication Bluewin via insider sources, Infantino stated that the idea will be taken up by the relevant FIFA committees after the 2026 finals. "It is definitely an issue that will be examined and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup," he said. "Every nation should be allowed to dream of participating in the World Cup. You can see that the quality of the teams is extremely high – and it’s getting higher and higher, all over the world. If you don’t give smaller countries a chance to participate in the World Cup, they’ll lack the incentive to keep improving." The 2030 World Cup is set to be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with the opening three matches taking place in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The 2034 edition will be hosted by Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House World Cup task force appointed by President Donald Trump, suggested that the United States could handle a further expansion to 64 teams if it were to bid for the 2038 tournament. "When you think that this World Cup may at some point expand out to 64 teams, I think the United States can handle it," Giuliani said. "Let me make sure we get through this World Cup on 19 July before we make our pitch for 2038 or other ones." Giuliani highlighted the existing infrastructure and stadiums in the U.S. as a major advantage: "We have the stadiums built, so for the US, compared to other host nations, where it costs tens and tens of billions of dollars, it cost us a couple of billion." The 2026 World Cup has already reached the semi-final stage. France will face Spain in Arlington after Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé helped beat Morocco 2-0 and Mikel Merino’s late winner edged Spain past Belgium 2-1. England, powered by a Jude Bellingham double in extra time, overcame Norway 2-1, while Argentina needed extra time to dispatch ten-man Switzerland 3-1. England and Argentina meet in Atlanta for the other semi-final.