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League: FIFA World CupSport: SoccerCountry: GlobalCategory: Playoffs

Infantino supports potential expansion to 64 teams for future World Cups

Yahoo Sports • 3 min read • Latest: Jul 11, 2026, 5:03 PM

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

Infantino supports potential expansion to 64 teams for future World Cups
Summary

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed enthusiasm for considering a 64-team format in future men's World Cups. Currently, the 2026 tournament is set to feature 48 teams, allowing eight third-placed teams to advance to a new last-32 round. Infantino highlighted the high quality of teams in this expanded format, calling it a huge success., he stated that expanding further would not increase the number of games played per team, aiming instead to bring more nations into the competition. The 2030 World Cup is scheduled to take place across several countries, including Spain and Argentina.

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Key Details
  • •Gianni Infantino proposes a 64-team World Cup after 2026.
  • •2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams, allowing eight third-place teams to progress.
  • •Infantino says quality of teams is improving globally.
  • •Future expansion aims to increase worldwide competition.
  • •The 2030 edition will be hosted by multiple countries including Spain and Argentina.
Latest Updates
  • 7:34 PMYahoo Sports — Gianni Infantino plots FIFA World Cup expansion with 64-team tournament
  • 10:47 AMYahoo Sports — How would a 64-team World Cup work? Gianni Infantino opens door to further tournament expansion
  • 9:00 AMYahoo Sports — As FIFA Explores A 64-Team World Cup, Some Potential Pros And Cons
  • 8:42 AMYahoo Sports — Infantino confirms FIFA will discuss potential 64-team World Cup expansion
  • 7:14 AMYahoo Sports — Gianni Infantino hints at expanding World Cup again to 64 teams
  • 2:43 AMYahoo Sports — World Cup could expand to 64 teams, FIFA President Gianni Infantino says
  • 12:13 AMYahoo Sports — FIFA boss Gianni Infantino makes case for expansion of World Cup to 64 teams in 2030
  • 10:06 PMESPN — Infantino: 64-team World Cup will be 'looked at'
What they're saying
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FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed the governing body will discuss the possibility of expanding the men's World Cup to 64 teams following the conclusion of the 2026 tournament. The 2026 edition, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is already the largest in the competition's history, increasing from 32 to 48 participating nations.…

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup featured the largest field of teams yet, featuring 48 teams compared to the 32 teams previously involved in the tournament. However, it sounds like further expansion could be in the cards. During a recent interview, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that after this World Cup, which is set to conclude…

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FIFA president Gianni Infantino can imagine another expansion of the men's World Cup field to 64 nations and says the idea should "definitely" be considered after this tournament. The 2026 edition has expanded from 32 to 48 teams, but the maths means eight third-placed teams from the groups reached a new last-32 round.

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