FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced plans to discuss expanding… (мир · чемпионат · инфантино)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced plans to discuss expanding the FIFA World Cup from 48 to 64 teams after the conclusion of the 2026 tournament, which is currently underway in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He emphasized that increasing participation would allow more nations worldwide to dream of competing in the World Cup.
Consensus
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced plans to discuss expanding the FIFA World Cup to include 64 teams after the conclusion of the 2026 tournament.
- The current 2026 World Cup is being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico with 48 participating national teams.
- Infantino described the expansion from 32 to 48 teams as a 'huge success' and emphasized that all continents contributed meaningfully.
- The discussion on further expansion will begin after July 19, when the current tournament concludes.
- Infantino stated that every nation should have the opportunity to dream of participating in the World Cup, not just those from Europe or South America.
Points of divergence
- President Donald Trump is watching all matches on television and is happy. — fontanka
- The expansion to 64 teams would double the number of participants in a short historical period, from 32 (1998–2022) to 64. — vedomosti
- UEFA may block the return of Russian national teams to international football due to pressure from England, Germany, and France; this decision is influenced by upcoming elections for UEFA President Alexander Ceferin in 2027. — vm
Coverage (5 sources)
- FIFA to discuss increasing the number of World Cup participants to 64 countries — Коммерсантъ
- FIFA may expand the World Cup to 64 teams — Вести
- Infantino announces new expansion of the FIFA World Cup — Фонтанка
- FIFA Allows Expansion of World Cup to 64 Teams — Ведомости
- FIFA may consider expanding the World Cup to 64 teams — Вечерняя Москва