Another World Cup expansion remains in play.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently confirmed that the global soccer governing body will discuss expanding the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams.
"This is certainly an issue that will be looked at and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup," Infantino told Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport, according to ESPN's Shivam Pathak. "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."
The idea of opening the field to 64 teams was originally raised last year as a one-off proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup, which will mark the tournament's centennial anniversary. The event will primarily take place in Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, though Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay - where the World Cup's inaugural edition was staged in 1930 - will also host three games.
Infantino said he likes the idea of more teams in the tournament, pointing to the rising quality of teams across the globe.
"We can see that the quality of the teams is extremely high, and it's getting higher and higher everywhere in the world," he added. "If you don't give smaller countries the chance to participate in the World Cup, they also lose the incentive to keep improving."
FIFA expanded its marquee quadrennial event from 32 to 48 countries for 2026. While the idea initially drew heavy criticism, most fans have lauded this year's tournament for its high-scoring matches and entertaining storylines.
