Story perspectives

Infantino Backs 64-Team 2030 World Cup After $9B Success

7/12/2026

Summary

Infantino Eyes Expansion

Gianni Infantino said the 48-team 2026 World Cup was a huge success and that FIFA will consider expanding to 64 teams for 2030.
He noted that nine of ten African teams reached the knockout stage, up from five in 2022.
FIFA projects $9 billion in revenue from the 2026 tournament, driven by broadcasting and hospitality sales.
Aleksander Ceferin and Victor Montagliani said a 64-team World Cup would be a bad idea.

Summary

Infantino Boosts Saudi

U.S. President Donald Trump will appear with Gianni Infantino after the final on July 19, while Gianni Infantino says he talks to Trump daily.
Investigators ended a 2026 probe into football fraud because it no longer fit administration’s priorities, while Gianni Infantino’s ties helped Saudi Arabia win the 2034 World Cup amid human-rights concerns.
U.S. travel bans forced Iran’s team to relocate to Tijuana, limited its U.S. entry, and sparked criticism.

Summary

Pochettino Extension

U.S. Soccer offered head coach Mauricio Pochettino a four-year extension through the 2030 World Cup cycle.
The U.S. men’s national team’s calendar includes friendlies Sept 21-Oct 6 2026, Nations League quarter-finals in November and the 2027 Gold Cup, which will invite Saudi Arabia as a guest.
The federation created “Stars & Stripes FC” awards naming Folarin Balogun Golden Ball and Boot, and commentator JP Dellacamera ended a 40-year World Cup commentary career on July 2 2026.

History

Historical Context

The United States hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the tournament’s first on American soil, with group play from June 18 to 26 and a knockout stage from July 2 to 17. Sixteen teams entered the elimination rounds, and Brazil captured the title on penalties after beating Italy. The event marked the U.S.’s first World Cup win since 1950 and set a commercial benchmark for future expansions.

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Infantino Eyes Expansion

Gianni Infantino said the 48-team 2026 World Cup was a huge success and that FIFA will consider expanding to 64 teams for 2030.
He noted that nine of ten African teams reached the knockout stage, up from five in 2022.
FIFA projects $9 billion in revenue from the 2026 tournament, driven by broadcasting and hospitality sales.
Aleksander Ceferin and Victor Montagliani said a 64-team World Cup would be a bad idea.

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