FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that discussions regarding the potential expansion of the World Cup will take place following the conclusion of the 2026 tournament. This upcoming tournament will mark the first time that 48 teams will compete, a significant increase from the previous format of 32 teams.

Future Considerations for World Cup Format

Infantino made these remarks during a recent appearance at the World Cup quarterfinal match between England and Norway in Miami Gardens, Florida. He did not provide specific details about what the expansion discussions would entail, but emphasized that these matters will be evaluated after the tournament concludes. The decision to expand the tournament to 48 teams was initially met with criticism but has since seen little debate since the tournament began on June 11.

Commitment to Growth

Infantino, who was instrumental in the push for the increase in team participation, stated, “These are all issues that we will be examining after the World Cup,” during an interview with Swiss television outlet Blue Sport. This commitment to exploring further expansion reflects FIFA's ongoing efforts to grow the tournament and enhance its global appeal.

As the football world looks forward to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the potential for future changes to the tournament format remains a topic of interest for fans and officials alike.