Angela Stefani
ZURICH — The President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, has surprisingly floated the idea of expanding the number of World Cup participants to 64 teams for upcoming editions, a move that could fundamentally change the global football landscape. This statement comes after several “smaller” nations showed promising performances in previous major tournaments, sparking intense discussions about inclusivity and representation on the world stage.
This proposal is more than mere rhetoric. Infantino sees great potential in the participation of teams previously considered underdogs, such as Curacao, Uzbekistan, or Jordan, who have brought new excitement and surprises to global competitions. These experiences, he suggests, underscore the urgency of providing wider opportunities for every FIFA member association.
If realized, this expansion would go beyond the 48-team format already set for the 2026 World Cup, pushing unprecedented logistical and infrastructural boundaries. A final decision on the 64-team format would likely affect the 2030 or even 2034 World Cup editions, with significant impacts on match schedules, stadiums, and accommodation.
Proponents of this idea argue that 64 teams would achieve true inclusivity. More countries would harbor dreams of participation, stimulating football development across the globe. This could also mean increased revenue from broadcasting rights and sponsorships, which could then be reallocated for grassroots development.
However, critics worry about several negative implications. The quality of the tournament is feared to be diluted by the entry of teams that may not yet have competitive parity. The physical and mental burden on players would also drastically increase, given the greater number of matches and the extended duration of the tournament.
“This expansion is a double-edged sword,” said Dr. Karina Wijaya, an international football analyst from Global University Jakarta, in an exclusive interview. “On one hand, it's a triumph for the universality of football. However, operational challenges and the potential decline in competitive standards are things that cannot be ignored. FIFA must have a very mature mitigation strategy.”
Logistical considerations are a crucial point. Hosting a World Cup with 64 teams would require at least 16-20 international-standard stadiums, not including adequate training facilities and accommodation for tens of thousands of athletes, officials, and supporters. Prospective host nations must prepare much more intensively.
This proposal aligns with Infantino's vision for the “democratization” of football, where every country, regardless of size, has an equal opportunity to compete on the highest stage. This is not just about football, but also about cultural diplomacy and global recognition.
FIFA itself is known to be adaptive to format changes for global relevance and reach. Internal discussions and consultations with member associations will be the next phase before this proposal becomes a final decision. The football public will eagerly await how this ambitious vision will be realized.
The decision to expand the World Cup to 64 teams would mark a new historical milestone in the evolution of this most prestigious tournament in the world. Both its benefits and challenges must be carefully considered to preserve the essence and quality of football while embracing a wider world.
