11.07.2026, 18:59 Uhr
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. Increasing to 64 would not mean more games per team and would restore the idea of only the top two in the group going through.
"The whole world must be allowed to dream of the World Cup and not only Europe and South America," Infantino was quoted as telling Swiss portal blue Sport on Saturday.
Looking at the ongoing tournament in North America, the FIFA chief drew a positive interim conclusion amid fears too many no-hopers would qualify.
The expansion is "a huge success," the 56-year-old said.
"You can see that the quality of the teams is generally extremely high and is getting higher, higher and higher, all over the world."
A record 104 matches are being played in five weeks due to the expansion this time and 128 would be needed for 64 teams.
The 2030 edition is being played in Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Officials in South America have already floated the 64-team idea.
Source: Dpa-international.com
