The 2030 World Cup is already set to be a symbolic and unusual tournament.
Adding another wave of teams would deepen the argument that the World Cup is becoming bigger at the expense of simplicity, quality and calendar balance. More nations means more inclusion, but also more travel, more scheduling strain and more pressure on players.
This is where the story becomes political. Reports suggest the proposal has landed at a tense moment for Infantino, whose broader tournament strategy has already drawn resistance in football’s corridors of power. UEFA has appeared especially wary of plans that expand ’s footprint and influence.
That is why the 64-team discussion feels bigger than one competition. It looks like another test of how much room Infantino still has to remake the calendar and the commercial shape of the game.
For now, caution is needed: the proposal has been reported, not confirmed as policy. But the next meetings, and the reaction from confederations beyond Conmebol, will be the real tell. The format of 2030 may yet become the next flashpoint in football’s running struggle over who gets to define its future.