[Saba Sports News] Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, confirmed in a recent interview that FIFA will formally research and discuss the proposal to further expand the World Cup to 64 participating national teams once the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico draws to a close. Addressing widespread calls for expansion to a 64-team format, Infantino stated: “Small nations such as Cape Verde have already proven that the tournament has not been watered down by expansion. The 48-team format has been an enormous success, with every side delivering high-level performances on the pitch. This proposal will definitely be examined and debated by relevant FIFA committees after the conclusion of this World Cup. The World Cup exists first and foremost for the whole world — not merely Europe and South America, but the entire globe in its truest sense. Every nation deserves to harbour the dream of competing at the World Cup. Football standards across all continents are rising year by year. If smaller countries are denied the chance to feature in the World Cup, they will lose the motivation to keep improving.”
The editor believes that discussions over expanding the World Cup to include more teams have never ceased, and the reform could be implemented as early as the 2030 edition. The 2030 World Cup is co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Meanwhile, several matches will also be staged in Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina.