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Football

Infantino Floats 64-Team World Cup Plan Amidst 48-Team Rollout

By SideLine Desk ·
Infantino Floats 64-Team World Cup Plan Amidst 48-Team Rollout
Illustration: SideLine

Just as the 32-team World Cup format is set to give way to a 48-team competition, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly suggested expanding the tournament once more. He is making the case for a 64-team field to be considered for the 2030 World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has voiced his belief that the World Cup should be further expanded, proposing consideration for a 64-team format for the 2030 tournament. This suggestion comes at a time when the competition is already transitioning from its long-standing 32-nation structure to a 48-team model, with the next edition set to feature the increased number of participants.

Infantino, speaking on the matter, is reportedly making a case for this ambitious expansion. The rationale behind such proposals, as often articulated by the FIFA chief, typically centers on increasing global inclusivity and providing more opportunities for nations to compete on the sport's biggest stage.

The move to 48 teams, approved previously, represented a significant shift in the tournament's scale. The prospect of doubling that number again, however, would inevitably raise discussions about logistical challenges, the quality of competition, and the overall spectator experience, alongside the potential benefits for broader football development.

💬 SideLine Take

FIFA's relentless pursuit of expansion feels more like a revenue-driven strategy than a genuine commitment to competitive balance.

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

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