Indonesia welcomes proposed 64-team World Cup expansion

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) chief Erick Thohir welcomed a proposal to expand the FIFA World Cup to 64 teams, saying it provides broader opportunities for emerging football nations like Indonesia. (32 words)

"I did not see it negatively," Thohir told reporters here on Friday. "There is opposition from some confederations, but I am glad that the competition will be more open."

However, Thohir stopped short of formally endorsing the proposal, stressing that long-term domestic development remains his top priority over relying on tournament expansion to secure a World Cup spot.

Indonesia must earn its place on the global stage through grassroots youth development and stronger domestic leagues rather than regulatory shifts, he added.

Thohir noted that PSSI is leveraging the FIFA Forward program to strengthen its national football ecosystem, focusing on human resources, youth talent, and domestic competition quality.

The proposal under discussion at FIFA would expand the World Cup field from 48 teams in 2026 to 64 starting in 2030. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has argued that broader inclusion accelerates global football growth and creates a fairer competitive landscape for non-traditional powerhouses.

A final decision on the 2030 format remains subject to ongoing consultations between FIFA and global confederations.