▲ FIFA President Gianni Infantino
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that he will begin a full-scale review of a plan to significantly expand the number of participating countries in the World Cup to 64, starting from the 2030 tournament.
In an interview with Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport on July 13 (KST), when asked about the possibility of a 64-team World Cup, President Infantino stated, "This is a matter that will certainly be discussed through the relevant committee once this North and Central American tournament concludes."
He emphasized, "The World Cup should be for the entire world, not just Europe and South America. Every nation should be able to dream of participating in the World Cup," adding, "We are seeing that the level of teams participating from all over the world is very high and steadily improving. If smaller nations do not get the opportunity to participate in the World Cup, they lose the motivation to develop."
President Infantino particularly highlighted that 9 out of the 10 African teams that participated in the current North and Central American tournament—the first to be held under the 48-team format—advanced to the knockout stage. He remarked, "It is a tremendous success. In the previous tournament, there were only 5 African teams. This is evidence of how important it is to embrace all teams and provide them with the opportunity to participate."
If the number of teams in the World Cup finals increases to 64, a total of 128 matches will be played.
This figure represents a two-fold increase compared to the 32-team format.
Previously, in March of last year, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) proposed expanding the 2030 tournament, which marks the 100th anniversary of the World Cup, to 64 teams.
The 2030 tournament will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with the three opening matches scheduled to be held in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the World Cup.
However, the continental confederations of Europe, Asia, and North and Central America all voiced their opposition to the South American confederation's proposal for a 64-team World Cup.
Upon the announcement of the proposal, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin immediately remarked, "It is a bad idea. I was very surprised, and I think it is absurd."
On the other hand, Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House World Cup Task Force, indicated that the United States could consider bidding for the 2038 World Cup and expressed that the country could "easily handle" an expansion to 64 teams.
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.