Infantino's expansion stance keeps 64‑team World Cup on the agenda

20 Jul 2026, 05:27 pm IST|
Infantino's expansion stance keeps 64‑team World Cup on the agenda
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Gianni Infantino's time leading Fifa has been defined by a clear preference for enlargement. That could mean 64 teams at the World Cup.

One recurring motif of Gianni Infantino's Fifa tenure has been an inclination toward increasing the size of competitions. The phrase "more is better" has frequently been used to characterise that approach. Within that context, the possibility of a World Cup featuring 64 teams has emerged as a notable suggestion.

The emphasis on expansion under Infantino has been summarised succinctly by the maxim "more is better." That formulation has been applied repeatedly when describing his direction at Fifa. The idea of a 64-team World Cup sits squarely within that enlargement narrative.

Discussion of a 64-team tournament is tied closely to the broader theme of growth that has marked Infantino's time at the organisation. The simple linkage between his tenure and bigger competitions helps explain why the concept has gained attention. The reference to 64 teams serves as a concrete illustration of the expansionist impulse.

Commentary around Infantino's leadership often returns to the same shorthand: "more is better." It is that same refrain that places the 64-team World Cup among the options being considered in debates about the future format. As such, the 64-team idea remains emblematic of the wider push for enlargement.

Observers pointing to patterns in Fifa under Infantino commonly use "more is better" to encapsulate the period’s priorities. The proposal of 64 teams at the World Cup has therefore come to symbolise the administration's tendency toward bigger tournaments. The 64-team notion continues to feature whenever the subject of expansion arises.

Gianni Infantino's enlargement-minded record ensures the prospect of a 64-team World Cup remains part of the conversation. That possibility is inseparable from the "more is better" tenor of his Fifa tenure.

Gianni InfantinoFifa64 Team World CupWorld Cup Expansion