The FIFA World Cup might be on the brink of another groundbreaking expansion. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has announced that the organization will be looking into the possibility of increasing the men’s tournament to 64 teams after the 2026 edition. This comes as the football community gears up for its very first 48-team World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, following the jump from 32 nations. Infantino emphasized that FIFA aims to provide more countries with a genuine chance to reach football’s grandest stage, arguing that more participation not only elevates standards but also keeps smaller football nations inspired to grow and compete on a global scale.
Speaking to Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport, Infantino said FIFA’s committees would review the proposal after the 2026 World Cup, as he said, “When you organize a World Cup, it’s important that you organize it for the whole world. It’s not just Europe and South America, but the entire world, effectively. Every nation should be able to dream of taking part in the World Cup.”
From Cooling Breaks to Ticket prices, Gianni Infantino Explains FIFA’s Stance
In the midst of the ongoing expansion debate, Infantino took a moment to tackle some of the criticism aimed at various World Cup policies. He acknowledged that the hydration breaks introduced during each half had sparked a bit of controversy. These cooling pauses were implemented in about 60% of the matches due to soaring temperatures, while the other 40% went on without interruptions thanks to more favorable weather. This inconsistency led to some complaints from different groups.
The FIFA president also stood by the ticket prices, highlighting the packed stadiums that have been a hallmark of the tournament. He noted that venue occupancy had already hit an impressive 99.7% and was projected to reach 99.9% by the time the final rolls around. Infantino pointed out that resale prices on the secondary market had skyrocketed to four or five times their original value, indicating that demand is still incredibly strong. Additionally, FIFA is anticipating revenues between 13 and 14 billion Swiss francs from this 39-day tournament, which really emphasizes the event’s commercial success.
