“It Just Doesn’t Feel Right”: Montagliani’s Gut Feeling on 64-Team WC Shared by FIFA

Concacaf President Victor Montagliani’s gut feeling that a 64-team World Cup “just doesn’t feel right” appears to be shared by the wider FIFA establishment, which has rejected the idea of such an expansion. The sentiment reflects a growing concern that the tournament is at risk of losing its essential character through constant growth.
The proposal for a 64-team format for the 2030 tournament was formally presented by South American officials to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. They argued for a larger, more inclusive event to celebrate the World Cup’s 100th anniversary.
However, the idea has failed to resonate with many key figures in the sport. Montagliani’s simple but powerful critique captures the essence of the opposition: a feeling that the tournament would become something other than the elite, special event it has always been. This sentiment is echoed within the FIFA Council, where there is strong resistance to the plan.
This emotional argument is backed by practical concerns. An insider confirmed that the council fears a drop in quality and damage to the business model. But the core of the opposition seems to be a more fundamental belief that the World Cup’s magic lies in its exclusivity and high stakes, qualities that would be diminished in a 64-team format.
With the tournament already expanding to 48 teams, many feel that a line has been crossed. Montagliani’s feeling that a further expansion “doesn’t feel right” has become the de facto position of FIFA, which is now focused on preserving the soul of its greatest competition.