FIFA Eyes Expanding World Cup to 64 Teams After Record-Setting Tournament

Gianni Infantino says strong U.S. attendance and TV numbers could push soccer's showcase even bigger

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the organization will discuss expanding the World Cup from 48 to 64 teams after the 2026 tournament shattered attendance records and drew massive television ratings, Fox News reported.

The comments raise the question of whether the United States, which co-hosted this year's tournament alongside Mexico and Canada, could become a permanent or recurring host for soccer's biggest stage — a scenario Fox News said is now part of the conversation inside FIFA.

The 2026 tournament marked the first World Cup contested by 48 teams, up from the 32-team format used for decades. Infantino's remarks about a further jump to 64 teams came as the event neared its climax, with Fox News reporting attendance and television figures have exceeded expectations both inside stadiums and on broadcast and streaming platforms across the co-host countries.

Any formal move to expand the field would require FIFA's governing bodies to weigh logistical questions about stadiums, travel and scheduling across however many countries eventually host an enlarged tournament. For now, Infantino's comments signal FIFA intends to build on the commercial and attendance success of the 2026 edition rather than scale back future tournaments.

— Compiled from reporting by Fox News.