A significant conflict is brewing within FIFA over the future of the World Cup, as President Gianni Infantino’s open-door policy clashes with the closed minds of his council on a 64-team tournament. While Infantino met with South American leaders to discuss the expansion, sources confirm the FIFA Council is staunchly opposed, creating a clear internal divide.
The meeting in New York saw Infantino give a platform to a Conmebol delegation advocating for a 64-team format for the 2030 centenary event. This aligns with FIFA’s official position of being duty-bound to consider all proposals. For South America, the plan is a golden ticket, potentially qualifying all 10 of its member nations.
However, this diplomatic openness is at odds with the resolute opposition from within FIFA’s own decision-making body. An internal source was clear: “Gianni would not get that vote through Council even if he wanted to.” The “overwhelming feeling” around the table, even beyond Europe, is that a 64-team tournament would harm the World Cup’s integrity and business model.
This internal schism is further highlighted by public dissent from powerful FIFA vice-presidents. UEFA’s Aleksander Ceferin and Concacaf’s Victor Montagliani have both publicly condemned the idea, showing that the council’s resistance is not only strong but also has influential public voices.
This leaves Infantino in a difficult position. While he must entertain proposals from key confederations, he cannot move forward without the backing of his council. For now, the council’s view is prevailing, and the 64-team World Cup remains a non-starter, regardless of any presidential meetings.