FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated that the organization will discuss a potential expansion of the FIFA World Cup beyond the current 48-team format after the 2026 edition. The 2026 tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is the first to feature 48 teams, up from 32 in previous editions.
Infantino made the remarks during a press conference on July 13, 2026, in New York, where he noted that the success of the expanded format could lead to further growth. 'We will analyze the 2026 World Cup and then discuss the future,' Infantino said, according to a FIFA spokesperson. 'The interest from nations has been enormous.'
The 2026 World Cup, scheduled from June 8 to July 3, 2026, has already seen record ticket sales and global viewership, with matches spread across 16 cities in three countries. The expansion to 48 teams was approved in 2017 and has been praised for increasing representation from regions like Africa and Asia.
Critics have raised concerns about the environmental impact and logistical challenges of hosting a larger tournament, but Infantino emphasized that any future changes would prioritize sustainability and quality of play. No timeline for a decision on further expansion has been announced.
