Fifa pushes for 64-team World Cup amid backlash on privatization plans
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 31, 2026, 11:48 AM
Last updated Jul 31, 2026
Fifa is accelerating its plans to expand the World Cup to 64 teams amid significant opposition to Gianni Infantino's proposal to privatize the tournament. Uefa has pledged to boycott the event if the privatization moves forward, a stance supported by Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation. As pressure mounts on Infantino, Fifa has issued a brief seeking an independent agency to assess the potential expansion before a decision is made on August 14. A private investor group led by Thrive Eternal is expected to take a minority stake if the plan proceeds.
- •Fifa targets a 64-team World Cup format by 2030.
- •Uefa and other confederations oppose the privatization proposal.
- •An independent agency will assess commercial impacts of the expansion.
- •Fifa plans decision on expansion proposal by August 14.
- •Infantino linked to investor group Thrive Eternal for tournament stake.
- 11:48 AMYahoo Sports — Fifa accelerate bid for 64-team World Cup amid Gianni Infantino sell-off plan
"Infantino is under heavy fire for his plans to privatise the World Cup with Uefa pledging to boycott the tournament if the proposal is passed
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