Infantino Signals Backing for 64-Team 2030 World Cup Amid Governance Turmoil

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has indicated to South American soccer leaders that he would back a CONMEBOL proposal to increase the 2030 World Cup roster to 64 teams, according to reports. During a recent trip to Colombia, Infantino was accompanied by CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez to the inauguration of Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, where the expansion idea was discussed. The plan would allow the South American confederation to host more than the three matches currently assigned for the tournament, which will be jointly staged by Morocco, Portugal and Spain with single games in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.

Infantino’s position follows widespread calls for his resignation from UEFA, most of CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation after his controversial $20 billion proposal to sell a 20 percent stake in the World Cup. Support for his bid has emerged from Mexico, the Confederation of African Football, Argentina, Qatar and Morocco, with reports that Morocco was offered the final match venue in return for backing his re-election. The expansion debate adds pressure ahead of the March presidential election and the November candidate deadline.