FIFA will open the debate on a new expansion of the World Cup. The president of the organization, Gianni Infantino, confirmed that, once the 2026 World Cup ends, the possibility of increasing the tournament from 48 to 64 teams will be analyzed, with the aim of providing more opportunities to countries from all confederations.

The leader assured that the proposal will be reviewed by the corresponding committees and defended the importance of more nations having the possibility of competing in the biggest soccer event.

Gianni Infantino defends a World Cup with more teams

In statements given to Bluewin and taken up by L'Équipe, Gianni Infantino explained that the growth of the tournament responds to the need to make the competition more inclusive.

"It is an issue that will be examined and debated in the corresponding committees after this World Cup. When you organize one, it is important to design it for the whole world, not just for Europe and South America. Every nation should be able to dream of participating."

The FIFA president also highlighted that the level of football continues to grow on different continents, which is why he considers it important to offer more spaces for emerging teams.

"We can see that the level of the teams is extremely high and continues to improve around the world. If small countries are not given the opportunity to participate in the World Cup, they will no longer have the motivation to continue improving."

The success of the 2026 World Cup supports the idea of ​​expansion

The 2026 edition already represents an important change by becoming the first World Cup with 48 teams, a format that increased the number of matches and participating countries.

In addition to sporting growth, FIFA boasts figures that strengthen the argument to continue expanding the tournament.

With four games left to conclude the championship, the organization reported an attendance of more than 6.5 million fans, a figure that exceeds the sum of spectators registered in the two previous editions.

Mexico and England broke the audience record in the United States

Another highlight of the 2026 World Cup was the television impact of the match between the Mexico team and England in the round of 16.

FIFA reported that the match reached an audience of 44.9 million viewers, becoming the most watched soccer broadcast in the history of United States television.

This is how the 2026 World Cup semifinals will be played

The World Cup enters its decisive stage with only four teams competing.

The semifinals of the 2026 World Cup were defined as follows:

The 2026 World Cup Final will be played on Sunday, July 19 in New York, while the match for third place will be played a day before in Miami.