Could the next World Cup have even more teams? FIFA is considering it

Could the Next World Cup Feature More Teams? FIFA Weighs Expansion

Could the next World Cup have - The 2030 World Cup, set to be shared among Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, has sparked discussions about further growth. While the tournament will kick off with matches in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to commemorate its centenary, the question of increasing the number of participating nations looms larger than ever. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hinted at the possibility of a 64-team format, a move that has already gained traction from CONMEBOL, the South American football federation.

A Global Vision for the Beautiful Game

Infantino emphasized the importance of inclusivity during a conversation with Swiss outlet Bluewin. “The World Cup must be accessible to every nation,” he stated. “Allowing more countries to compete ensures they remain motivated to improve and dream big.” His remarks follow the unprecedented success of the 48-team edition, which saw unexpected stories emerge from teams like Cape Verde and Curaçao. These nations captivated audiences with their passion, creativity, and even eye-catching kits, proving that the expanded format can enhance the tournament’s appeal.

“That’s definitely an issue that will be examined and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup,” Infantino added. “Every nation should be allowed to dream of participating in the World Cup.”

Despite initial skepticism about the quality of games in a larger tournament, the 48-team format has won over many fans. The extended schedule created compelling narratives, and the competition’s global reach has been a triumph. Yet, the proposal for 64 teams raises concerns. With the current 104-game structure already stretching players’ physical limits, adding more matches may test their endurance. “I can’t imagine players will be over the moon about yet more competition,” one analyst noted, questioning whether the tournament could become too ambitious.

Highlighting the Unseen Stars

As the final week of the 2026 World Cup unfolds, attention has turned to individual stories. Norway’s Erling Haaland, though unable to secure a championship, has become a global sensation. His pre-tournament fame has only grown, thanks to his charismatic personality and the internet’s fascination with his journey. Haaland has thrived in North America, both on and off the pitch, solidifying his status as an international icon.

“I think this has changed my life, to be honest,” Haaland said. “You can see that the quality of the teams is extremely high – and it’s getting higher and higher, all over the world.”

With Norway now out of contention, Haaland’s performance has left a lasting impression. His rise highlights how the expanded format can create opportunities for emerging talents. As the final matches approach, fans will have to decide: Is the World Cup’s grandeur worth the challenge of scaling even further?

Schedule of Final Matches

Here are the key dates for the concluding week of the 2026 World Cup:

• Semifinal 1: France vs. Spain – July 14 at 3 p.m. ET, Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), Arlington, Texas, USA
• Semifinal 2: England vs. Argentina – July 15 at 3 p.m. ET, Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Third-place match: July 18 at 5 p.m. ET, Miami Stadium (Hard Rock Stadium), Miami Gardens, Florida, USA
• Final: July 19 at 3 p.m. ET, New York/ New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA