Overview
- On Sunday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed the federation will formally study a proposal to raise the men's World Cup from 48 to 64 teams after the 2026 tournament ends.
- The plan would add 16 nations and most reports outline a format of 16 groups of four with the top two from each group advancing, raising group-stage matches from 72 to 96.
- The proposal has clear backers in South America, including the official who first pitched it and CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez, while UEFA and Concacaf leaders have publicly opposed the idea.
- A move to 64 teams could change how the 2030 centenary event is shared among Spain, Portugal and Morocco and the three South American opening hosts by increasing hosting demands and altering match allocations.
- FIFA has set no timetable for a decision; committees will review logistics, sporting quality and the international calendar next, with potential effects on qualifying structures, player workload and revenue distribution.