A World Cup with 64 Teams? Pros and Cons of an Idea Driven by Conmebol that Generates Debate in FIFA and Would Benefit Peru
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced plans to discuss expanding the World Cup to 64 teams after the 2026 tournament concludes in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, which features 48 teams for the first time.
- Uruguayan soccer official Ignacio Alonso proposed the 64-team structure at a March 2025 FIFA Council meeting, and CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez has championed it since, calling the plan his "dream."
- Infantino hailed the 48-team tournament as a success, noting nine of 10 African teams reached the knockout stage; FIFA expects to generate 13 to 14 billion Swiss francs from the 39-day event.
- Opposition has surfaced among regional leaders; UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin called the proposal a "bad idea," while Concacaf president Victor Montagliani described it as "not a great idea."
- Adding 16 nations would require a record 128 matches, while the 2030 World Cup is scheduled across six countries over three continents to mark the 100th anniversary of the inaugural tournament.
184 Articles
184 Articles
FIFA Considering Another Major World Cup Expansion for 2030
FIFA could expand the men's World Cup once again after introducing its new 48-team tournament, with President Gianni Infantino confirming that a 64-team competition will be considered for the 2030 event. According to…
In 2025, the South American Football Confederation submitted a proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams. FIFA will consider the idea of expansion after the end of the World Cup.
FIFA exploring key World Cup change for future tournaments
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the governing body will discuss expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, with the 2026 tournament featuring 48 sides hailed as a huge success ahead of potential 2030 changes
Infantino opens door to 64-team World Cup
Any further expansion of the World Cup, increasing the number of teams participating at the finals to 64, will be discussed after this year’s edition, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said without providing any details. The 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States have seen 48 teams for the first time, a decision that […]
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said that after this year's World Cup, the possibility of expanding the tournament even further and allowing as many as 64 teams to participate in the final round will be considered.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
