The success of the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup has encouraged FIFA to consider another major change. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the governing body will discuss the possibility of increasing the men’s FIFA World Cup to 64 teams after the 2026 edition.
Although no final decision has been taken, the proposal has sparked excitement among football fans across the world. For countries like India, which have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup through the qualification process, the expansion could significantly improve their chances.
FIFA to Review 64-Team World Cup Proposal
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, became the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams, replacing the previous 32-team format.
Following the positive response to the larger competition, FIFA is now open to discussing another expansion.
Speaking to Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport, Gianni Infantino said the proposal would be reviewed by FIFA’s committees after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
“This is certainly an issue that will be looked at and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup.”
Infantino stressed that the World Cup should represent every part of the world, not just traditional football powerhouses.
“When you organise a World Cup, it is important that you organise it for the whole world. It is not just Europe and South America, but the entire world. Every nation should be able to dream of taking part in the World Cup.”
Why FIFA Is Considering More Teams
According to reports, the idea of a 64-team FIFA World Cup first emerged in March 2025, when South American football body CONMEBOL proposed expanding the tournament for the centenary edition in 2030.
Infantino believes giving more countries an opportunity to qualify would help football grow globally.
He explained that many developing football nations need a realistic pathway to the World Cup. Without that opportunity, they may lose motivation to improve.
However, not everyone supports the proposal.
Concacaf President Victor Montagliani previously said he does not believe expanding the tournament to 64 teams would benefit international football or the overall football calendar.
How Many Matches Would a 64-Team World Cup Have?
If FIFA approves the proposal, the tournament would become even bigger.
- 32-team World Cup (1998–2022): 64 matches
- 48-team World Cup (2026): 104 matches
- Proposed 64-team World Cup: 128 matches
Such an expansion would require a longer tournament schedule and more venues, making it the biggest FIFA World Cup in history.
Can India Qualify for a 64-Team FIFA World Cup?
A larger tournament would undoubtedly improve India’s chances, but qualification would still depend on performance.
When FIFA expanded the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) saw its direct qualification places increase from 4.5 to 8.5 slots.
If another 16 teams are added to create a 64-team World Cup, Asia could receive 11 or 12 direct qualification spots, although FIFA has not confirmed how the extra places would be allocated.
That would give Asian teams more opportunities than ever before.
Where Does India Stand in Asia?
Despite the possible expansion, India would still face strong competition.
Traditional Asian football powers such as Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia and Saudi Arabia are expected to secure qualification regularly.
Other improving nations, including Qatar, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, are also likely to occupy several qualification spots.
For India to qualify, the Blue Tigers would need to consistently outperform teams such as:
- Oman
- Bahrain
- Syria
- China
- Vietnam
- Thailand
At present, India is generally ranked around the 15th-best national team in Asia, meaning there is still a considerable gap to close.
India Still Needs Major Improvement
Even if FIFA approves a 64-team World Cup, qualification will not become automatic for India.
The national team will need better long-term planning, stronger domestic competitions, consistent international performances and improved results in the AFC qualifiers.
An expanded tournament would create a bigger opportunity, but India must continue improving to take advantage of those additional qualification places.
For now, the proposal remains under discussion, and FIFA is expected to review it after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.