The first 48-team FIFA World Cup has barely concluded, but Gianni Infantino is already considering the possibility of making football's biggest tournament even bigger, a move that could reshape the sport's financial landscape.
Speaking to Swiss television during the tournament, the FIFA president said a 64-team World Cup was one of the ideas that could be explored after the finals, reigniting debate over just how far the competition can expand.
The logistical challenges of another expansion are clear. A larger tournament would require more stadiums, greater hotel capacity, expanded transportation networks and, in all likelihood, a longer competition.
The financial consequences, however, could be even more far-reaching.
With more places available, qualification would become easier for many of football's biggest nations, potentially diminishing the commercial appeal of qualifying competitions while further elevating the value of FIFA's flagship event.
