12 July 2026SideLine · sports news, rewritten
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Football

FIFA President Opens Door to Expanded 64-Team Men's World Cup Post-2026

By SideLine Desk ·
FIFA President Opens Door to Expanded 64-Team Men's World Cup Post-2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has signaled a potential shift towards a 64-team format for the Men's World Cup. The governing body intends to conduct a thorough review of this expansion possibility following the conclusion of the 2026 tournament, with Infantino emphasizing football's need to be inclusive globally.

Gianni Infantino, the head of FIFA, has revealed that discussions are likely to commence regarding a significant expansion of the Men's World Cup to include 64 teams. This potential change would represent a notable increase in the number of participating nations.

The evaluation process for such a substantial alteration to the tournament's structure is slated to take place after the 2026 World Cup has concluded. Infantino articulated his vision that the sport should be accessible and engaging for all nations around the globe, suggesting this expansion aligns with that philosophy.

💬 SideLine Take

Expanding the World Cup to 64 teams is a bold move that prioritizes global inclusivity over the potential dilution of competition quality.

AI-assisted rewrite. This story was written by the SideLine Desk from the reporting below and reviewed by our editors — read the originals for the full story. How we work.
Sources: BBC Football · Yahoo Sports

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