Gianni Infantino hints at expansion to 64-team World Cup before 2030 event

Its early editions featured between 13 and 16 teams, before eventually increasing to 24 in 1982.

Infantino successfully pushed for the growth of the World Cup to 48 teams as has been seen at this summer’s edition, a move which initially drew significant scrutiny but has brought little debate since the tournament began.

The current edition, held jointly in the United States, Canada and Mexico, has already ushered in a new era by increasing the field from 32 to 48 nations.

The ongoing 2026 World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams for the first time.