The Great Divide: Infantino Listens, But His Council Rejects World Cup Expansion

A great divide has emerged at the top of world football’s governing body, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino listening to calls for a 64-team World Cup while his own council roundly rejects the idea. This internal split has effectively killed the proposal for the 2030 tournament before it could gain any serious traction.
The division was highlighted by a recent meeting in New York, where Infantino hosted a delegation from South America’s Conmebol. They formally pitched their ambitious plan for an expanded centenary World Cup, a move that would primarily benefit their ten member nations by making qualification much easier.
However, Infantino’s willingness to engage in dialogue is not shared by the powerful FIFA Council. An inside source has confirmed that the proposal is dead in the water, lacking the necessary support to pass a vote. The council’s members reportedly believe that a 64-team format would be detrimental to the tournament’s brand, quality, and financial health.
This internal opposition is not a secret. It has been publicly championed by influential FIFA vice-presidents Aleksander Ceferin (UEFA) and Victor Montagliani (Concacaf), who have both labeled the idea as misguided. Their public stance provides cover for the council’s private position, creating a united front of resistance.
Ultimately, the power to change the World Cup format lies with the council, not the president alone. With the council so firmly opposed, Infantino’s meeting with the South Americans appears to have been more of a diplomatic formality than a serious consideration of their proposal.