FIFA Speeds Up 64-Team World Cup Plans Amid Gianni Infantino Sell-Off Proposal
FIFA is reportedly accelerating discussions over expanding the men’s FIFA World Cup to 64 teams, a proposal that could significantly reshape international football. The reports come as FIFA President Gianni Infantino is also said to be exploring new commercial strategies, including the possibility of bringing outside investment into the tournament’s commercial operations.
Although FIFA has not officially approved either proposal, the developments have sparked debate among football associations, clubs, players, and fans over the future direction of the sport’s biggest competition.
64-Team World Cup Proposal Gains Momentum
The proposed 64-Team World Cup would represent the largest expansion in the tournament’s history. FIFA has already increased the 2026 FIFA World Cup from 32 to 48 participating nations, with the tournament set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to recent reports, FIFA is now considering whether a further expansion to 64 teams could be introduced for a future edition of the tournament, potentially beginning with the 2030 FIFA World Cup or a later competition.
Supporters argue that expanding the tournament would provide more countries with an opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage while helping to grow the sport in emerging football nations.
However, critics believe a larger tournament could reduce the overall quality of competition, create scheduling challenges, and place additional physical demands on players.
Gianni Infantino’s Commercial Strategy Sparks Debate
Alongside the expansion discussions, reports suggest FIFA is evaluating options to attract outside investment into parts of its commercial operations.
The proposal reportedly involves selling a minority stake in a company responsible for managing certain commercial rights connected to the FIFA World Cup. FIFA has not confirmed that such a transaction will take place, but the reports have generated concern among several football stakeholders.
Critics argue that introducing private investors could increase commercial pressures surrounding the tournament, while supporters contend that additional investment could strengthen football development programmes and generate new revenue for member associations.
The reported proposal has also drawn criticism from UEFA, which has expressed concerns about preserving the long-term interests of global football.
Key Details and Industry Reactions
The 64-Team World Cup proposal has received mixed reactions across the football community.
Supporters say the expansion would:
- Increase global participation.
- Provide more opportunities for developing football nations.
- Expand broadcasting and sponsorship revenues.
- Help grow the sport in emerging markets.
Opponents have raised concerns that:
- Tournament schedules could become significantly longer.
- Player workloads may increase further.
- Qualification could lose competitiveness.
- Hosting logistics would become more complex.
Several football administrators have also questioned whether another expansion is necessary so soon after the move to a 48-team format for the 2026 tournament.
Background and Context
The 64-Team World Cup would follow decades of gradual expansion by FIFA.
The men’s tournament featured:
- 16 teams until 1978.
- 24 teams from 1982 to 1994.
- 32 teams between 1998 and 2022.
- 48 teams beginning with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Each expansion has aimed to increase global representation while reflecting football’s growing popularity worldwide. FIFA argues that expanding participation helps develop the sport beyond its traditional powerhouses.
At the same time, FIFA has pursued broader commercial growth under Gianni Infantino’s leadership through expanded tournaments, new sponsorship agreements, and increased investment in football development.
What Happens Next?
FIFA is expected to continue consulting member associations, confederations, broadcasters, commercial partners, and other stakeholders before making any formal decision regarding a 64-Team World Cup.
No official proposal has yet been approved, and any expansion would require careful planning regarding tournament scheduling, qualification formats, host nation capacity, and commercial arrangements.
Similarly, reports regarding potential outside investment remain under discussion, with no finalized agreement announced.
Both issues are likely to remain central topics at upcoming FIFA meetings as the organization considers the long-term future of the World Cup.
The Bottom Line
The reported 64-Team World Cup proposal signals FIFA’s continued ambition to expand the global reach of its flagship tournament while exploring new commercial opportunities under Gianni Infantino’s leadership. Although neither the tournament expansion nor the reported investment plans have been officially approved, both proposals have sparked significant debate about balancing football’s growth with preserving the competitive integrity and traditions of the FIFA World Cup.
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