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FIFA Launches Study on 64-Team World Cup Expansion

7/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced a study to assess a 64-team World Cup after the 2026 edition.
A 64-team format would increase matches to 128, compared with the 48-team, 104-match 2026 tournament.
CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez supports the expansion for the 2030 centenary World Cup.
CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa oppose the expansion, citing player strain and calendar congestion.

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Story summary

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced a study to assess a 64-team World Cup after the 2026 edition.
A 64-team format would increase matches to 128, compared with the 48-team, 104-match 2026 tournament.
CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez supports the expansion for the 2030 centenary World Cup.
CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa oppose the expansion, citing player strain and calendar congestion.