Gianni Infantino’s Fifa tenure is all about bigger being better – and now that’s 64 teams at the World Cup.
Image: BBC Sport
Gianni Infantino’s Fifa tenure is all about bigger being better – and now that’s 64 teams at the World Cup.
The 64-team World Cup may sound like a utopian fantasy, but it’s actually a very real possibility thanks to Infantino’s expansionist vision. Since taking the helm in 2016, Infantino has increased the number of teams participating in the World Cup to a record high. The 2022 tournament in Qatar featured 32 teams, but Infantino has long advocated for a larger field.
Infantino’s expansionist policies, however, have been met with skepticism by many in the football world. Critics argue that a larger tournament would reduce the quality of competition, making the World Cup less competitive and less exciting to watch. They also point out that increasing the number of teams would require significant changes to the existing tournament format, which could be challenging to implement.
Despite the criticisms, Infantino remains committed to his vision of a larger World Cup. In a recent interview, he stated that he believes a 64-team tournament would be beneficial for the sport, allowing more countries and teams to participate and increasing the tournament’s global reach.
So what’s next for Infantino and his 64-team World Cup proposal? While there’s no concrete timeline for implementation, sources close to the Fifa president suggest that he may push for a vote on the proposal at the next Fifa Congress in 2026. If successful, the 64-team World Cup could become a reality as early as 2030.
The implications of a 64-team World Cup would be far-reaching, with significant consequences for teams, players, and fans alike. More teams would mean more games, more travel, and more opportunities for teams to secure a spot in the tournament. However, it would also lead to a longer tournament format, which could increase the financial burden on teams and potentially lead to player burnout.
As teams and players around the world continue to grapple with the implications of a 64-team World Cup, one thing is clear: Gianni Infantino’s expansionist vision is here to stay – and it’s not going away anytime soon.
Key Takeaways
Image: BBC Sport
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Gianni Infantino push through a 64-team World Cup without FIFA’s approval?
No, any changes to the World Cup format would require a vote from FIFA’s member associations.
When might we see a 64-team World Cup?
The earliest possible date for a 64-team World Cup would be 2030, pending approval from FIFA’s member associations.
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