Fifa President Gianni Infantino is on the cusp of unleashing a storm that will shake the very foundations of global football. His sights are set firmly on a seismic expansion of the men's World Cup to 64 teams, and he's not just talking about tweaking the numbers – he wants a revolution that puts the beautiful game in every corner of the globe.
The current 2026 tournament, which marked the debut of the expanded 48-team format, has been a resounding success. African teams have made their presence felt, with nine out of ten making it to the knockout stages – a stark contrast to the old days when just five nations qualified. It's a testament to Infantino's vision and the power of global football.
But not everyone is on board with Infantino's grand plan. Conmebol's proposal to take the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams has met with resistance from some prominent figures, including Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin, who called it a "bad idea" that would compromise the tournament's integrity and qualifying process. And Concacaf president Victor Montagliani warned of chaos if expansion goes ahead.
Hosting challenges are a significant hurdle, as a 64-team tournament would mean 128 matches – a logistical nightmare for host nations. The 2026 tournament is already being played across three countries, while the 2030 edition will feature six nations in celebration of the competition's centenary.
No decision has been made yet, but Infantino's vision remains a powerful force. For smaller footballing nations, it's a tantalising prospect – to compete on the world stage and make their mark. And with the United States even suggesting they could bid for a 64-team 2038 World Cup, the momentum is building.