FIFA President hails success of expanded 48-team World Cup as global representation grows

In a victory for global representation in sport, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has voiced strong support for the recent expansion of the World Cup, stating the tournament should be inclusive of the entire world rather than just traditional strongholds. Speaking to Swiss television outlet Blue Sport on Sunday, 12 July 2026, Infantino indicated that the success of the current 48-team format in North America has opened the door for discussions regarding a possible 64-team tournament in the future. Infantino highlighted the positive impact of providing more opportunities for smaller nations, arguing that participation acts as a vital incentive for countries to improve their footballing standards. He noted that the quality of play has remained high across all continents during the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. According to the FIFA head, every participating team managed to score goals and earn at least one point, proving their merit on the world stage. The president specifically drew attention to the success of African nations under the expanded format. He reported that nine out of the ten African teams involved reached the knockout stages, a significant increase from the five teams represented in the previous tournament. Infantino suggested that these results validate the decision to move away from the 32-team structure that had been in place since 1998. While addressing controversies such as ticket prices and new hydration breaks, Infantino remained focused on the broader goal of inclusivity. He reiterated that his vision involves a World Cup that serves effectively the entire world, ensuring that every nation has the chance to participate. Formal discussions on any further expansion are expected to take place once the current tournament concludes, as FIFA looks toward future editions in Morocco, Portugal, Spain, and Saudi Arabia.