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Infantino Hints at Further World Cup Expansion for 2030, Addresses Drink Breaks

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has indicated that the 2030 World Cup could see an increased number of participating nations, while also raising the possibility of removing drink breaks.

News Published 21 July 2026 2 min read FootballGames10 Desk

President of Russia Vladimir Putin speaks with 1 of 8 With FIFA President Gianni Infantino before visiting the Far East Street exhibition with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.jpg | by Presidential Press and Information Office | wikimedia_commons | CC BY 4.0

Following the conclusion of the most recent World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has begun to outline potential considerations for the 2030 tournament. Among the key points raised, Infantino did not rule out the possibility of further expanding the number of participating nations, a move that would build on the current expansion to 48 teams set for the 2026 edition.

The discussion around expansion comes as FIFA continues to evaluate the global impact and logistical challenges of its flagship tournament. Increasing the number of teams participating could offer more opportunities for nations to compete on the world stage, potentially boosting football development and engagement in new regions. However, such a move would also necessitate significant planning regarding host nation infrastructure, match schedules, and tournament format.

Por que importa

Key facts

Aspect	Detail
Subject	FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s comments
Event discussed	2030 FIFA World Cup
Key consideration	Potential for further expansion of participating nations
Other consideration	Possible removal of drink breaks

Beyond the potential for a larger field of teams, Infantino also addressed a more immediate aspect of player welfare and match dynamics: drink breaks. He reportedly kept open the option to abolish mandatory drink breaks, a feature that has become common in matches played in hot and humid conditions. These breaks are typically implemented to ensure player safety and performance during physically demanding games.

The future of drink breaks is a topic that balances player health with the flow and intensity of the game. While proponents argue for their necessity in extreme weather, critics sometimes suggest they can disrupt the rhythm of play. Any decision on their removal would likely involve consultation with medical experts and player representatives to ensure athlete well-being remains a priority.

Contexto

For football fans and stakeholders, these comments from the FIFA president offer an early glimpse into the strategic direction for the 2030 World Cup. Both the potential for increased participation and changes to in-game regulations like drink breaks could significantly alter the experience for players, coaches, and viewers. These discussions will form part of the broader planning process as FIFA prepares for the next cycles of its premier competition.

Source: Voetbal International, https://www.vi.nl/video/infantino-sluit-niet-uit-dat-wk-van-2030-nog-groter-wordt