The article discusses Fifa president Gianni Infantino’s suggestion that the 2030 World Cup could expand to 64 teams, extending football’s trend towards ever-larger international tournaments. It argues that Fifa is at least willing to consider the idea and presents the move as part of a broader push to make the competition feel more globally inclusive, rather than being dominated by Europe and South America. The proposal matters because it would significantly increase the scale, length and commercial reach of the World Cup, while also reigniting debate over whether expansion improves the tournament or dilutes its quality.

Infantino said a larger event would give smaller nations more opportunity and incentive to improve, although the piece notes they already have access through qualification. A 64-team format would likely mean 16 groups of four, with the top two progressing, and would add 24 matches compared with the already expanded 48-team tournament. The article also points to the planned 2030 hosting model across 23 venues in six countries and three continents as evidence that Fifa may see the logistics as manageable, while using a sceptical tone to suggest this could even foreshadow further expansion in future.