The Times learned about the refusal of Infantino plans to expand the world Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has abandoned the idea of expanding the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams. This was reported by the newspaper The Times, citing its sources.

It is noted that this decision Infantino is associated with the upcoming election of the President of FIFA, which will be held in March 2027. Infantino, who previously announced his desire to be re-elected, wants to relieve himself of the pressure after a recent scandal involving plans to sell a share of the rights to host the world championship, which the organization had to abandon amid criticism.

In March 2025, Uruguay proposed that FIFA expand the 2030 tournament to 64 teams, Infantino called the idea interesting and said that FIFA would consider expanding the World Cup. In the final part of the last world Cup for the first time performed 48 teams.

World Cup 2030 will be held from June 8 to July 21 and will be timed to the centenary of the tournament. For the first time in history, the World Cup will be hosted by six countries located on three continents. The main hosts will be Spain, Portugal and Morocco, where most of the meetings will take place, including the main matches of the group stage and the playoffs. Another game will be played by Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.