Infantino Envisions Even Larger World Cup Expansion, Proposes 64 Teams: 'Quality is Definitely Growing'

“The entire world should be allowed to dream of the World Cup, not just Europe and South America. It's clear that the quality of teams globally is exceptionally high and continuously improving,” DPA quoted the 56-year-old Infantino, who believes the current expansion of participants has been a great success.

This year's World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico saw an increase in teams from 32 to 48, meaning that the eight best third-placed teams also advanced to the knockout stage. In a 64-team format, only the top two national teams from each group would once again progress.

The 2030 World Cup will be held in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Individual matches will also take place in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to celebrate the centenary of the World Championship. Officials in South America have reportedly already pitched the idea of a 64-team tournament to FIFA.