FIFA President Infantino Praises Expanded Global Tournaments
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the expansion of football tournaments during a video address at the AFC Congress, emphasizing the benefits of broader global representation and development. He detailed plans for a 32-team Club World Cup in 2025 and noted potential improved qualification opportunities for Asian nations in the 2026 World Cup.
Published on April 12, 2025
During a video address to the Asian Football Confederation Congress in Kuala Lumpur on April 12, 2025, FIFA President Gianni Infantino lauded the benefits of expanding football tournaments. Speaking from the U.S., host of the newly expanded 32-team Club World Cup scheduled for June and July 2025, Infantino highlighted how increased participation—such as from Asian clubs including Al-Ain (UAE), Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Ulsan HD (South Korea), and Urawa Reds (Japan)—strengthens the sport's global reach and development.
Infantino also noted that this expansion helps FIFA’s mission by enabling players from a broader range of countries to compete. He mentioned that eight or nine Asian nations might now qualify for the 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, despite European concerns over player fatigue. Additionally, while he did not comment on South America's proposal for a 64-team format in 2030, FIFA is reportedly considering it as part of its ongoing efforts to globalize the sport.