Increase in the number of teams in the World Cup: UEFA president comments.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin expressed his opposition to expanding the World Cup to 64 teams. According to The Guardian, FIFA is discussing the possibility of expanding the 2030 World Cup. Aleksander Ceferin called this idea not good for the tournament and the qualifying tournaments. The initiative to increase the number of participating teams was put forward by a delegate from Uruguay. FIFA president Gianni Infantino finds this proposal interesting, but it is likely that other FIFA council members will not approve it. It should be noted that in 2026, the number of participants in the final stage will already be increased to 48. UEFA has 16 spots, and the qualification in the European zone will last from March 2025 to March 2026. The tournament matches will take place in 16 cities in Canada, Mexico, and the USA. The opening match will be held in Mexico City on June 11, 2026, and the final will take place in New York on July 19. Russia has been excluded from the lottery for the World Cup qualifying.