2026 World Cup Semifinals Approach Amidst Talk of 64-Team Expansion

The final week of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to commence, with anticipation building for the highly anticipated semi-final matches. Amidst the on-field drama, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reportedly raised the possibility of expanding the tournament to 64 teams in future editions. This potential shift, while not yet confirmed, has sparked discussion among football stakeholders regarding the implications for competition structure and global participation.

Impact on Local Businesses

The tournament’s presence has had a varied effect on local economies, particularly on businesses like pubs. While some establishments have reported a boost in trade, others have experienced a decline. Steve Hopkins, owner of the Shovel Inn in Stourbridge, where England player Jude Bellingham was born, is planning to close his business after the World Cup, citing a poor turnout this year compared to previous tournaments. Hopkins noted a significant change in fan behavior since the COVID-19 pandemic, with more people opting to watch matches at home rather than in pubs. He expressed concern about securing a good turnout for the upcoming semi-final, despite its favorable evening kickoff time.

Discussion on Tournament Expansion

The idea of expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, a significant increase from the current 32, has been met with mixed reactions. One viewpoint, shared by a reader named Ryan, suggests that the quality difference between teams ranked 48th and 64th in the world might not be substantial enough to significantly dilute the tournament’s overall quality. This perspective also favors a return to a group stage format where only the top two teams advance, potentially leading to more competitive matches.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the logistical challenges of hosting a 64-team tournament. These include ensuring adequate infrastructure, such as stadiums, hotels, and training facilities, capable of accommodating a larger number of participating nations. The potential for a more tedious qualification process and the elimination of third-place playoff matches have also been mentioned as aspects to consider.

Infantino’s Vision

FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s potential push for a 64-team World Cup is seen by some as a move driven by commercial interests. However, proponents argue that expanding the tournament could offer opportunities to more nations, enriching the global football experience, similar to the expansion of the UEFA European Championship. The debate centers on balancing increased global representation with maintaining the competitive integrity and logistical feasibility of the World Cup.

Key facts

The ongoing discussions surrounding the 2026 World Cup’s semi-finals and the potential for a 64-team format highlight the evolving nature of major international football tournaments. For fans, the immediate focus remains on the exciting matches ahead, while the long-term structural changes are subjects of ongoing debate within the sport’s governing bodies.

Source: The Guardian Football, https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jul/13/world-cup-2026-buildup-to-blockbuster-semi-finals-infantino-hints-at-64-team-expansion-live