FIFA President Gianni Infantino Joked About Italy Missing The World Cup Again

FIFA president Gianni Infantino sparked discussion over Italy's World Cup struggles after making a light-hearted remark about the country's qualification chances during an appearance in Mexico City on Thursday.

Infantino was asked about the possibility of expanding the 2030 tournament beyond its planned 48-team format. The FIFA chief said discussions had taken place within the organisation and then joked that a larger field could help nations that have recently struggled to reach the competition.

The comment quickly drew attention because of Italy's recent record at major tournaments. The four-time champions failed to reach the World Cups in 2018 and 2022 and are also absent from the 2026 edition, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Asked about the expansion proposal, Infantino said: "We have had discussions about expanding to 64 teams... the matter was presented to the FIFA council."

He then added with a smile: "Maybe Italy qualify with 64 teams, or we could even go up to 208 teams."

The exchange led to headlines around the world, with many focusing on what Gianni Infantino joked about Italy as FIFA continues to evaluate the future structure of its flagship tournament.

The proposal to stage a 64-team World Cup in 2030 has been championed by South American Football Confederation president Alejandro Dominguez. The tournament will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the inaugural World Cup, which was held in Uruguay in 1930. While Spain, Portugal and Morocco are set to serve as the principal hosts, selected matches are expected to take place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.

Infantino, however, indicated that FIFA's immediate priority is assessing the impact of the expanded 48-team format that debuts in 2026.

Back in Italy, the remarks prompted a reaction from sports minister Andrea Abodi, who said he wanted clarification from the FIFA president. Abodi told local media he was surprised by Gianni Infantino said about italy qualification and preferred to discuss the matter directly.

"Given that there is a big distance between Italy and Mexico, I'd rather speak to him on the telephone to understand (what he meant)," Abodi said.

"I'd like to hear from him directly."

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