Infantino hints at 64-team World Cup after praising 48-team success

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has opened the door to expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, stating the idea will be “examined and debated in the relevant committees” after the current 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico Source: Infobae, Source: Emol. The 2026 edition, featuring a record 48 teams, has been hailed by Infantino as a “great success” with “all teams playing at a high level” and nine of ten African nations reaching the knockout stage Source: Lavanguardia. However, the tournament has also drawn sharp criticism, with Milenio calling it a potential “Waterloo” for Infantino, citing a total defeat in negotiations with Chinese broadcaster CCTV and his “servility” toward U.S. President Donald Trump Source: Milenio. Environmental concerns have also mounted: the New Weather Institute labeled the event “the most polluting in history,” estimating 9 million tonnes of CO2 emissions Source: Clarín. Infantino himself has logged over 50,000 kilometers on his private jet in the first weeks, triggering backlash Source: Clarín. Infantino argues that expanding access boosts global football development — “If smaller countries are not given the opportunity to participate, they will lack the incentive to keep improving” Source: Lavanguardia. Yet sources disagree on feasibility: Clarín reports that a 64-team World Cup is “commercially very difficult to sustain” and would require two months Source: Clarín. The FIFA president remains upbeat, smiling through controversies as the tournament heads to dream semifinals: Argentina vs. England and France vs. Spain Source: Clarín.