Overview
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino told Swiss media that the 64‑team proposal will be formally examined by relevant committees after the 2026 tournament, a comment published on Sunday, July 12.
- The idea would add 16 nations and is commonly projected to raise the tournament from the current 104 matches to about 128 matches under typical formats.
- CONMEBOL and South American officials first pressed the plan and have actively backed it, arguing a larger centenary event would boost inclusion and let South American hosts stage full groups.
- Senior leaders in UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC have publicly opposed the proposal, warning it would dilute qualification, lower match quality, strain player welfare, and congest club and international calendars.
- No timetable or vote has been set; any change must pass detailed committee work and then secure approval from the FIFA Council, leaving logistics, host capacity and player welfare as key issues to be resolved before 2030.