How a 64-team World Cup could transform football’s economics
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has suggested a 64-team World Cup format could be examined in the future, a potential expansion that would significantly alter football's financial structure and qualifying competitions. The 2026 tournament will be the first 48-team format, expanding from the traditional 32-team structure.
The possibility of further expanding football's World Cup tournament has emerged as a topic for future consideration within FIFA leadership. During recent discussions, FIFA President Gianni Infantino indicated that a 64-team format could be explored once the current tournament cycle concludes, reopening questions about the optimal size for the sport's premier competition.
An expansion to 64 teams would carry substantial logistical requirements, necessitating additional stadiums, accommodation facilities, transportation infrastructure, and likely an extended tournament schedule. The financial ramifications could prove equally significant, as a larger tournament would fundamentally reshape the economics of international football. By reducing the difficulty of qualification for major football nations, such an expansion could diminish the commercial appeal of regional qualifying campaigns while elevating the prominence of FIFA's central event.
This potential shift in financial dynamics has generated concern among regional football confederations. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has publicly opposed the concept, arguing against expansion for both the World Cup itself and qualifying competitions. Similarly, the Asian Football Confederation President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa has questioned the sustainability of continued tournament growth, expressing reservations about where such expansion might ultimately lead.
Infantino has defended the expansion concept by emphasizing inclusivity, arguing that providing smaller nations with World Cup participation opportunities encourages continued development and investment in football infrastructure. The 2026 tournament, scheduled across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will mark the first departure from the traditional 32-team format, expanding to 48 nations and 104 matches. A 64-team structure would require approximately 128 matches, potentially extending the tournament duration by an additional week beyond the already lengthy five-week schedule. The 2030 World Cup is planned for Spain, Portugal, and Morocco as primary hosts, with Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay each hosting opening-round matches to commemorate the tournament's centenary.
Bell tracks these organizations in depth — profiles, people, signals, and history. See them inside Bell →
Target the right Qatari accounts at the right time.