The president reportedly described the 48-team format as a success and said “todas as equipes jogaram em alto nível”. He also argued that teams from every continent scored and collected at least one point.
His wider message is political as much as sporting: nations outside the established elite need access to the World Cup if they are to develop infrastructure, attract investment and inspire future generations.
“Isso mostra como é importante incluir todas as equipes, dar a elas essa oportunidade”, Infantino said while highlighting the progress of African teams.
The counterargument is familiar. More teams mean more matches, extra travel and fewer recovery windows in a calendar already crowded by domestic leagues, continental competitions and expanded club tournaments.
There is also a sporting question. Can a larger field create meaningful early fixtures, or would it dilute the scarcity that has always made the World Cup unique?
Infantino’s past support for expanding the European Championship points to a consistent philosophy. Even so, a 64-team tournament would require agreement from ’s committees, national associations and host countries, alongside detailed planning for venues, travel and scheduling.
The immediate focus remains the current World Cup, with the next cycle only beginning to take shape. is reportedly expected to examine the proposal after the 2026 edition, giving football’s governing bodies time to argue both sides.
For now, the 2030 World Cup is not confirmed as a 64-team tournament. But the debate has started-and Infantino appears determined to make wider access, rather than scarcity, ’s defining principle.