Overview

• The expansion plan, introduced in March by a Uruguayan FIFA Council member, remains under formal FIFA review.
• Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay are driving the proposal to secure more matches on South American soil during the centenary edition.
• Gianni Infantino held late‑September meetings in New York with the presidents of Uruguay and Paraguay and senior regional officials, a gathering viewed as supportive of the push.
• Moving to 64 teams would increase total matches from 104 to about 128 and likely lengthen the event, intensifying calendar and travel demands.
• High‑profile figures such as Jürgen Klopp and Joachim Löw warn of player‑welfare and quality concerns, and any change would still require a positive review followed by a FIFA Council vote.