64-Team FIFA World Cup? Infantino Reportedly Backing Major Expansion
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is poised to support a proposal to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams, according to The Times, in a bid to secure support from South American federations as he scrambles to keep his job following an ill-fated plan to sell stakes in the World Cup.
Infantino has “indicated” his support to South American soccer leaders, The Times reported, noting Infantino visited Colombia last week and was accompanied by CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez to the inauguration of right-wing Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella.
Domínguez has supported Infantino in his effort to get back in good standing with soccer’s governing bodies, with CONMEBOL proposing the World Cup expansion from 48 to 64 teams so it can host more than the three games FIFA awarded it in the next tournament, The Times added.
The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain, with Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay each hosting one match to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup.
Infantino has faced calls to resign from top soccer governing bodies including Europe’s UEFA, the vast majority of CONCACAF (which governs soccer in North America, Central America and the Caribbean) and the Asian Football Confederation.
Forbes has reached out to FIFA for comment.
Mexico is the one country in CONCACAF’s membership to support Infantino, with observers speculating the country’s governing soccer body could be doing so as Mexico eyes hosting rights for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. The Times—citing Mexican media reports—also noted Mexico is seeking support to leave CONCACAF to join the South American confederation, where its teams would face stronger competition. The Confederation of African Football has also pledged support for Infantino amid the controversy, as has Argentina, Qatar and Morocco. Infantino reportedly offered Morocco hosting rights for the 2030 World Cup final in exchange for supporting his reelection as FIFA president.
Infantino proposed a $20 billion plan to sell a 20% private equity stake in the World Cup, which triggered condemnation from some governing bodies and soccer legends including Luís Figo. The opposition to Infantino argued privatizing a portion of one of the world’s premier sporting events would ruin it and harm fans. In addition to calling for Infantino’s resignation, UEFA has maintained a threat to boycott FIFA competitions. UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC are reportedly considering organizing international tournaments for its 142 teams if the boycott materializes, until Infantino is booted. FIFA’s presidential election is scheduled for March, with a deadline for presidential candidate proposals set for Nov. 18. The World Cup expanded from its longtime field of 32 teams to 48 teams for its 2026 edition. Critics argue broad expansions lower the standard of play in early portions of the tournament.