FIFA President Considers Further Expansion of World Cup
FIFA will evaluate expanding the World Cup beyond 48 teams after the 2026 tournament, according to President Gianni Infantino, who argues for inclusion of smaller nations despite opposition from several confederation leaders.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that the organization will consider increasing the number of teams in the World Cup after the 2026 edition, which already features an expanded 48-team format. The decision will be discussed following the tournament, with Infantino emphasizing the need to give more nations the opportunity to participate.
The 2026 World Cup marks the first with 48 teams, resulting in a tournament lasting over a month and a half and featuring more than 100 matches. The lineup includes 16 teams from Europe, 10 from Africa, nine from Asia, six each from South and North America, and one from Oceania. The quarterfinals saw six European sides, plus Argentina and Morocco.
Infantino argued that the quality of play remains high and that smaller footballing nations need a chance to dream. He cited Africa's performance, where nine out of ten teams advanced from the group stage, compared to only five in 2022. "We must organize the World Cup for the entire world, not just Europe or South America," he stated.
However, the proposal faces skepticism. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin called it a bad idea that would harm the tournament and qualifying process. The Asian Football Confederation's president warned of chaos, while CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani said artificial expansion could disrupt the global football system.
Notably, the expansion to 48 teams helped Infantino secure re-election. The 2030 World Cup, celebrating its centenary, will be held in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with one game in Uruguay, the site of the first tournament.
