Could the next World Cup have even more teams? FIFA is considering it
FIFA Weighs Further Expansion of World Cup Beyond 48 Teams
Could the next World Cup have – The global football community is currently enjoying what many consider the most expansive edition of the World Cup ever staged. With forty-eight nations competing across North America, the tournament has already delivered memorable moments and compelling narratives. Yet as the competition approaches its climax, questions are emerging about whether the format could grow even larger in the future.
When FIFA initially announced plans to increase participation from thirty-two to forty-eight teams, reactions were mixed. Traditionalists worried that diluting the field would compromise competitive standards. Critics suggested that including more nations might lower the overall caliber of play. However, the expanded tournament has largely silenced those concerns, with newcomers proving their worth on the world stage.
Cape Verde’s advancement to the knockout phase demonstrated that smaller nations could compete at the highest level. Meanwhile, Curaçao captured global attention through their spirited performances and distinctive uniforms. These stories might never have materialized without the additional slots available to emerging footballing nations.
Infantino’s Vision for a 64-Team Tournament
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has signaled openness to further expansion, suggesting that sixty-four teams could become reality in coming decades. When queried by Swiss publication Bluewin regarding the prospect, he emphasized the importance of global inclusivity.
“That’s definitely an issue that will be examined and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup,” Infantino stated. “When organizing a World Cup, it’s important to organize it for the whole world – not just Europe and South America – but effectively the entire world. Every nation should be allowed to dream of participating in the World Cup.”
The president also highlighted how increased opportunities drive development across footballing nations. He noted that competitive quality continues rising worldwide, and that denying smaller countries participation could reduce their motivation to improve.
“You can see that the quality of the teams is extremely high – and it’s getting higher and higher, all over the world. If you don’t give smaller countries a chance to participate in the World Cup, they’ll lack the incentive to keep improving.”
The 2030 Centenary Proposal
Looking ahead to the 2030 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, there are already discussions about marking the centenary with an unprecedented format. The opening three matches will take place in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, honoring the tournament’s origins in Uruguay a century ago.
CONMEBOL, South America’s football governing body, has formally proposed hosting sixty-four teams for this milestone edition. Proponents point to financial benefits and enhanced global legacy as compelling reasons for expansion. However, practical concerns remain significant.
The current forty-eight-team format already stretches the tournament to one hundred and four matches. Players reaching the later stages face minimal recovery time before their domestic club campaigns resume. Many athletes may not welcome additional competitive pressure through further expansion.
What Lies Ahead for the Beautiful Game
While the sixty-four-team concept remains in preliminary stages, it raises fundamental questions about the balance between accessibility and quality. The debate will undoubtedly intensify as this World Cup concludes and FIFA’s committees begin their deliberations.
Before turning to the expansion discussion, here is the schedule for the tournament’s concluding week:
Semifinal One (France versus Spain) – July 14 at 3 p.m. ET, held at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) in Arlington, Texas, USA
Semifinal Two (England versus Argentina) – July 15 at 3 p.m. ET, held at Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Third-Place Match – July 18 at 5 p.m. ET, held at Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium) in Miami Gardens, Florida, USA
World Cup Final – July 19 at 3 p.m. ET, held at New York/New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
Haaland’s Unofficial Tournament Triumph
While the trophy hunt continues, Norway’s Erling Haaland has emerged as one of the tournament’s most compelling figures. Though his national team has been eliminated, the striker’s impact extends far beyond results.
“I think this has changed my life, to be honest,” Haaland reflected on his World Cup experience.
Already a global superstar, Haaland’s charismatic personality has resonated with fans worldwide. His enjoyment of the North American experience, both on and off the pitch, has elevated his status as a household name. As CNN Sports celebrates the conclusion of this remarkable tournament, Haaland’s journey represents one of its finest stories.
