FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that football's governing body will evaluate the possibility of expanding the men's World Cup to 64 teams following the 2026 edition. While the upcoming tournament is already making history as the first to feature 48 nations, FIFA believes the discussion is worth having as part of its broader goal of making the competition more inclusive and giving emerging football nations greater opportunities to compete on the global stage.

The idea of a 64-team World Cup first gained momentum after South American football authorities proposed the expansion for the 2030 tournament, which will celebrate the competition's 100th anniversary. FIFA has since held discussions with leaders from CONMEBOL and several South American football associations to explore the concept and consider its long-term impact on the sport.

Supporters of the proposal argue that increasing the number of participating teams would accelerate football's development in smaller nations by providing greater access to the world's biggest tournament. They believe broader participation would strengthen the global game and inspire more countries to invest in player development and international competition.

However, the proposal has also attracted significant opposition from football officials. Critics warn that another expansion could place greater strain on the international calendar, domestic leagues, clubs, and players while reducing the tournament's overall competitiveness. If approved, a 64-team World Cup would feature 128 matches, marking another major transformation for the sport's premier international competition.