FIFA’s Infantino May Back Massive World Cup Expansion In Fight To Keep Job

Aug 12, 2026 04:30 AM - 6 hours ago 1

Topline

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is poised to support a connection to grow the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams, according to The Times, successful a bid to unafraid support from South American federations arsenic he scrambles to support his occupation pursuing an ill-fated scheme to waste stakes successful the World Cup.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JUNE 10: FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks to the media during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Press Conference connected June 10, 2026 successful Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images)

VCG via Getty Images

Key Facts

Infantino has “indicated” his support to South American shot leaders, The Times reported, noting Infantino visited Colombia past week and was accompanied by CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez to the inauguration of right-wing Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella.

Domínguez has supported Infantino successful his effort to get backmost successful bully opinionated pinch soccer’s governing bodies, pinch CONMEBOL proposing the World Cup description from 48 to 64 teams truthful it tin big much than the 3 games FIFA awarded it successful the adjacent tournament, The Times added.

The 2030 World Cup will beryllium hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain, pinch Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay each hosting 1 lucifer to commemorate the 100th day of the FIFA World Cup.

Infantino has faced calls to resign from apical shot governing bodies including Europe’s UEFA, the immense mostly of CONCACAF (which governs shot successful North America, Central America and the Caribbean) and the Asian Football Confederation.

Forbes has reached retired to FIFA for comment.

Who Has Backed Infantino Amid The Controversy?

Mexico is the 1 state successful CONCACAF’s rank to support Infantino, pinch observers speculating the country’s governing shot assemblage could beryllium doing truthful arsenic Mexico eyes hosting authorities for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. The Times—citing Mexican media reports—also noted Mexico is seeking support to time off CONCACAF to subordinate the South American confederation, wherever its teams would look stronger competition. The Confederation of African Football has besides pledged support for Infantino amid the controversy, arsenic has Argentina, Qatar and Morocco. Infantino reportedly offered Morocco hosting authorities for the 2030 World Cup final successful speech for supporting his reelection arsenic FIFA president.

Key Background

Infantino projected a $20 cardinal scheme to waste a 20% backstage equity liking successful the World Cup, which triggered condemnation from immoderate governing bodies and shot legends including Luís Figo. The guidance to Infantino based on privatizing a information of 1 of the world’s premier sporting events would ruin it and harm fans. In summation to calling for Infantino’s resignation, UEFA has maintained a threat to boycott FIFA competitions. UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC are reportedly considering organizing world tournaments for its 142 teams if the boycott materializes, until Infantino is booted. FIFA’s statesmanlike predetermination is scheduled for March, pinch a deadline for statesmanlike campaigner proposals group for Nov. 18. The World Cup expanded from its longtime section of 32 teams to 48 teams for its 2026 edition. Critics reason wide description s little the modular of play successful early portions of the tournament.