Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, has opened the door to a potential expansion of the World Cup to 64 national teams, a move that would mark a significant shift in the tournament’s format. He stated that this possibility will be “examined and debated in the relevant committees” after the current World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada and will conclude on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Speaking to Bluewin and quoted by L’Equipe, Infantino emphasized the importance of making the World Cup a truly global event: “When you organize one, it’s important to design it for the whole world, not just Europe and South America. Every nation should be able to dream of participating.” This reflects a growing recognition of football’s expanding reach and the need to include smaller or emerging football nations.

The 2026 World Cup is already historic as the first to feature 48 teams, up from the previous 32. Infantino pointed out that the level of competition worldwide is “extremely high and continues to improve,” and that excluding smaller countries from the tournament risks diminishing their motivation to develop their football programs.

If the proposal to increase the tournament to 64 teams is approved, the format would likely involve 16 groups of four teams each, with the total number of matches rising to approximately 136. This expansion could offer more opportunities for underrepresented nations to showcase their talent on football’s biggest stage.

Looking ahead, the 2030 World Cup will be a unique event hosted across six countries and three continents: Morocco, Portugal, and Spain as the main hosts, with opening matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to honor the centenary of the competition. This global approach aligns with FIFA’s broader vision of inclusivity and diversity in the sport.

For migrants and football fans in Mexico and beyond, these developments signal a more inclusive future for the World Cup, where the dream of participation could extend to many more nations, reflecting the sport’s universal appeal and the power of international unity through football.