Uzbekistan footballers participation number increase idea discussed by Infantino. Discussions on increasing the number of World Cup participants to 64 are ongoing. Infantino has not ruled out the possibility of increasing the number of World Cup participants to 64.

All for the chance 56-year-old functionary has not ruled out the possibility of increasing the number of World Cup participants to 64. «48 teams participating in the tournament have been a huge success. Each team has shown high-level performance. Teams from all continents have scored goals and at least one point. Nine African teams have qualified for the playoffs. In the last World Cup, only five African teams participated... This is a clear indication of the importance of inviting all teams – giving them the opportunity to participate is crucial.

This is a clear indication of the importance of inviting all teams – giving them the opportunity to participate is crucial. The tournament's organization should be open to the whole world, not just Europe and South America. Each country should have the opportunity to participate in the World Cup», – Infantino said in an interview with Blue Sport.

Discussions on increasing the number of World Cup participants to 64 have been ongoing since 2025. At that time, various football functionaries, including CONMEBOL president Alexandro Dominges, presented their ideas at the April congress of their confederation. He proposed a new format for the 2030 World Cup, which would be held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the FIFA tournament. Infantino supported this idea.

Faith in the system Infantino has been dreaming of expanding the tournament for a long time, but he has not yet completed the work. The controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun has weakened the president's position within FIFA.

Note that the US national team forward was given a red card in the 1/16 final against Bosnia and Herzegovina (2:0), but his disqualification was postponed and he played in the next round against Belgium. It was later reported that Infantino was asked by US President Donald Trump to replace Balogun's punishment with a warning. This news was strongly criticized by various football associations and publications. According to The Times, Infantino has lost trust within the organization and in the countries he collaborates with.

«There will be no greater political interference in football than Trump's, and FIFA's attempts to explain themselves have been futile», – said a high-ranking source in this publication. Infantino has not admitted to any wrongdoing, but his reputation has been severely damaged. According to the report, he is planning to run for the 2027 election. However, it is likely that he will face strong competition – there are already rumors of a potential opponent.

Category: opinion