Infantino considers expanding World Cup to 64 teams by 2030
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 21, 2026, 7:25 AM
Last updated Jul 21, 2026
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is exploring the possibility of expanding the World Cup to include 64 teams, suggesting it could enhance competition and provide opportunities for smaller nations. This proposal comes as Conmebol seeks to have more matches for the centenary World Cup in 2030, which will take place primarily in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. Infantino argues that inclusion could foster growth in international football, despite some resistance from figures like UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, who calls the idea detrimental. The FIFA Council will ultimately decide on the proposal, which could alter the qualifying format as well.
- •Infantino advocates for 64-team World Cup for inclusivity.
- •2030 World Cup primarily hosted by Morocco, Portugal, Spain.
- •Conmebol requests more matches for the centenary tournament.
- •UEFA and other confederations express concerns about the expansion.
- •Decision rests with the FIFA Council members.
- 7:25 AMYahoo Sports — Could Infantino really push through a 64-team World Cup?
"If we have learned one thing from Gianni Infantino's Fifa tenure, it is that more is better. That could mean 64 teams at the World Cup.
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