FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the proposal to expand the World Cup to 64 teams will be formally examined and debated by the governing body.
The comments come as the organization assesses the legacy of the 2026 tournament, which featured 48 teams across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Infantino acknowledged that while the 2026 edition delivered positive commercial results, the sporting quality was described as "mediocre" by some observers.
The potential expansion to 64 teams represents a further shift in the tournament's structure, aiming to maximize global participation and broadcasting revenue, though it risks diluting the competitive intensity of the knockout stages.
The debate over tournament size has long been a central tension in international football.
While larger formats offer greater market access and revenue streams for FIFA and member associations, critics argue that an increased number of matches can lead to player fatigue and a lower standard of play in group stages.