FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has brought to light the possibility that the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with opening matches also in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, will be held with 64 national teams, 16 more than the 48 teams that will participate in the 2026 World Cup.
In an interview with Swiss media outlet Blue Sport, Infantino said the idea has not been abandoned and will be discussed after the 2026 World Cup.
"A 64-team World Cup is an issue that will be analyzed after this World Cup and discussed in FIFA's governing bodies," Infantino said.
The FIFA president said he was not opposed to a further expansion of the tournament, arguing that the World Cup should represent all continents and give as many countries as possible the opportunity to compete.
"When a World Cup is organised, it is organised for the whole world and for all continents. Many countries dream of participating in a World Cup, while the quality of football continues to improve. If smaller countries are denied the opportunity to qualify, then they are also denied the opportunity to develop," he added.
The idea of a 64-team World Cup was first proposed in March 2025 by the Uruguayan Football Federation. It was later supported by CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez, who stressed that the expansion would only apply to the 2030 edition, as a way to mark the 100th anniversary of the World Cup, the first tournament of which was held in Uruguay in 1930.
The final decision is expected to be discussed after the 2026 World Cup, at the next meeting of the FIFA Executive Council. If approved, the expansion to 64 teams would mark another major change in the history of world football's most important competition.
Lini një Përgjigje