FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing a significant rebellion from European football federations over his proposal to expand the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams, according to multiple reports. The plan, which would increase the tournament from 32 to 48 teams, has been met with resistance from UEFA members who fear it would dilute the quality of competition and overload the calendar.
The opposition is led by several influential European associations, including the German and Spanish federations, who argue that the expanded format would place undue strain on players and clubs. They have called for a review of the decision, which was initially approved in 2017, and have threatened to boycott the tournament if the format is not reconsidered.
Infantino, who has championed the expansion as a way to grow the game globally, has defended the plan, citing increased revenue and broader participation. However, the backlash has intensified following the announcement of the match schedule for the 2026 tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The dispute comes at a critical time for Infantino, who is seeking re-election as FIFA president in 2027. His handling of the World Cup expansion and other controversies, including the handling of human rights concerns in Qatar, has drawn criticism from within the football community.
As of August 2026, no formal vote has been scheduled, but the growing dissent suggests that Infantino's leadership may be challenged in the coming months. FIFA has not publicly commented on the latest reports of rebellion.
