Gianni Infantino is thinking bigger once again.
Shortly before the end of the first World Cup with 48 teams and 104 matches, the president of football's world governing body FIFA has opened the door to a possible next expansion to 64 teams and 128 matches, which would be double the amount of teams and matches compared to 2022.
Critics of the proposal originally submitted by the South American confederation CONMEBOL in 2025 were quick to speak out. But there are also some positive aspects.
The Pros
More inclusion: The core argument is identical to that of the 48-team World Cup. Another expansion would enable truly global participation. Oceania could receive two places instead of one, Africa 13 instead of 9 and Asia 12 instead of 8. It may also help Italy back onto the world stage after missing out three times in a row.
Shortly before the end of the first World Cup with 48 teams and 104 matches, the president of football's world governing body FIFA has opened the door to a possible next expansion to 64 teams and 128 matches, which would be double the amount of teams and matches compared to 2022.
Critics of the proposal originally submitted by the South American confederation CONMEBOL in 2025 were quick to speak out. But there are also some positive aspects.
The Pros
More inclusion: The core argument is identical to that of the 48-team World Cup. Another expansion would enable truly global participation. Oceania could receive two places instead of one, Africa 13 instead of 9 and Asia 12 instead of 8. It may also help Italy back onto the world stage after missing out three times in a row.
18 days ago
