FIFA President Gianni Infantino has indicated that the organization will begin discussions about expanding the World Cup format to 64 teams following the conclusion of the 2026 tournament, which has already set attendance records and achieved massive television viewership.
The current 48-team format, an expansion from the traditional 32, has been largely viewed as a success, allowing smaller nations to participate and attract fan interest. FIFA sees potential benefits in a larger format, including increased revenue from more games and broadcasts, as well as fostering global participation and incentive for improvement among developing soccer nations.
"When you organize a World Cup, it's important that you organize it for the whole world," Infantino stated. "We can see that the quality of the teams is extremely high, and it's getting higher and higher everywhere in the world."
Hosting Capacity
The potential shift to a 64-team format raises logistical questions, particularly regarding venue capacity. A 64-team World Cup could involve up to 128 matches. If FIFA aims to maintain the tournament's current 38-day duration, it would require a significant number of venues. The 2026 tournament utilized 16 venues, and an expansion could necessitate around 20.
Comparatively, the United States possesses a distinct advantage in its infrastructure. The nation boasts approximately 75 stadiums with a seating capacity exceeding 60,000. This capacity, combined with the logistical ease of hosting within a single country, positions the US as a uniquely capable candidate for hosting a significantly larger World Cup.
In contrast, European nations face challenges in meeting such venue requirements. For instance, the United Kingdom has 11 stadiums meeting the 60,000-seat threshold, while Spain has five, Germany has four, and Italy and France have only two each. Combining several European countries would be necessary to approach the venue numbers available in the US.
Economic and Sporting Impact
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has been a significant economic success. Reports highlight record attendance in the group stage, with fans traveling from around the globe and strong local turnout. Viewership records were also broken, including the most-watched English-language soccer broadcast for a US men's national team match.
Alan Rothenberg, founder of Major League Soccer, has emphasized the tournament's success in showcasing emerging talent and boosting the sport's growth in the United States. He believes the momentum generated will inspire a new generation of players.
While the idea of a permanent US host would likely face objections from other nations and federations, the current tournament's success has underscored the US's capacity to be an exceptional host. The event has been characterized by strong fan engagement and significant economic activity in host cities.