FIFA Proposes 64-Team Format for Future World Cups

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced a proposal for a 64-team World Cup format, emphasizing the need for global representation in the tournament. Infantino stated that the success of the 48-team tournament demonstrated the importance of including more teams, particularly from Africa, where nine out of ten teams reached the knockout stage in the last World Cup.

The proposal for a 64-team tournament was initially put forward by the South American governing body, CONMEBOL, for the 2030 World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Infantino mentioned that the decision to expand the tournament would be examined, highlighting the significance of allowing every nation the opportunity to participate.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin dismissed the 64-team proposal as a bad idea, particularly concerning the qualification process. Additionally, Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House's World Cup Task Force, expressed interest in hosting the 2038 World Cup, indicating the United States' capability to manage an expanded tournament.