​FIFA president Gianni Infantino has recently faced significant criticism, yet he continues to look ahead to future World Cups. The Folarin Balogun controversy remains a talking point and continues to provoke debate surrounding the USMNT’s World Cup ambitions, while accusations of corruption still target the Italian chief from various quarters. Despite these troubles, Infantino maintains the momentum, signaling confidence in securing another term and backing the idea of expanding the tournament further after the success of the North American edition.
Infantino is known for his knack of pursuing opportunities that bolster FIFA’s revenue streams, a pattern observed by many of his predecessors as well. The move from 32 to 48 teams in the World Cup appears to have yielded tangible benefits. Underdog sides have managed to pull off shocks, and the overall quality of the competition seems not to have suffered. Bluewin quoted him noting the expansion as a major success: 48 teams have competed at a high standard, teams from every continent have found goals and earned points, and nine out of ten African teams progressed to the knockout stage. He pointed out that at the previous World Cup there were only five African teams in the knockout rounds, underlining the importance of broad global inclusion to give every nation the chance to participate and dream of competing on soccer’s biggest stage.
Infantino has emphasized that global inclusivity should remain a central principle of World Cup organization, stressing that the tournament should be for the entire world, not just Europe and South America. He stressed that every nation deserves the opportunity to dream about participating on the world’s grandest stage. The image accompanying these statements places the discussion in a global frame, highlighting FIFA’s ongoing ambitions to reach beyond traditional football powerhouses.
Nonetheless, expanding to 64 teams introduces a new level of challenge. Critics and fans alike have suggested that the current calendar already imposes an excessive number of matches on players, and adding more rounds would simply magnify this issue. A further expansion could feel more like a financial maneuver than a sporting advancement, raising questions about the true benefits for the sport.
Despite the controversy surrounding Balogun and the broader Trump-related investigations, Infantino is widely expected to seek another term as FIFA president. Many observers believe that the damage to his reputation from these high-profile disputes may be overstated or overstated in some circles, while others argue that it has indeed harmed his standing both within the organization and in broader public perception. Regardless, it seems unlikely that this will derail his long-term political plans for FIFA.
As the dialogue around the World Cup’s future continues, the likelihood of continued expansion remains on the agenda. Whether 64 teams will be realized remains to be seen, but the discussions show no signs of abating, and Infantino’s role in shaping FIFA’s trajectory will persist as a central feature of the debate.