Infantino pushes 64-team World Cup expansion

FIFA president Gianni Infantino wants the World Cup to grow again, this time to 64 teams. "Todos os países devem ter uma oportunidade", all countries should have a chance, Infantino said, pushing an expansion that would reshape the tournament landscape after Portugal's round of 16 exit in 2026 (1). For a Portugal side still absorbing that 1–0 loss to Spain and the post-tournament departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Roberto Martinez, a larger field could ease future qualification paths while diluting the group-stage intensity fans expect.