FIFA President Gianni Infantino has indicated that the organization may explore the possibility of expanding the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams before the 2030 tournament.

Context

The current World Cup format features 48 teams, a change that has been described as a huge success by Infantino.S1

Key points

• Infantino stated that the expansion to 64 teams is an issue that will be examined after the current World Cup.S1

• The FIFA president believes that adding 16 more teams could make sense for the tournament.S1S2

• The proposal for expansion will be discussed in relevant FIFA committees.S1

• Infantino's comments were made during an interview with Bluewin, a Swiss media outlet.S1

• The current format of 48 teams has been positively received, prompting discussions about further expansion.S1

• The potential expansion reflects FIFA's ongoing efforts to increase global participation in the tournament.S2

• The 2030 World Cup is set to be a significant event, with discussions about its format already underway.S2

• FIFA's consideration of this expansion aligns with trends in sports to include more teams in major tournaments.S2

Why it matters

• Expanding the World Cup could enhance global representation in football, allowing more nations to participate.S2

• A larger tournament may increase viewership and engagement, benefiting FIFA financially.S1

• The success of the current 48-team format may influence the decision to expand further, indicating a shift in tournament dynamics.S1

What to watch

• Monitor FIFA committee meetings for discussions on the proposed expansion.S1

• Watch for reactions from national football associations regarding the potential changes.S2

• Keep an eye on the upcoming World Cup to see how the current format is received by fans and teams.S1