FIFA President Has Plan for World Cup Every Three Years

Soccer fans might not have to wait four years between World Cups.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino reportedly wants a triennial tournament following the success of the 2022 FIFA World Cup — it delivered record revenue of $7.5 billion.

The report comes the year after Infantino backed the idea of a biennial World Cup, which he said would increase revenue by $4.4 billion over a four-year cycle. 

The Daily Mail report noted that changes to the international calendar wouldn’t be possible until after the 2030 World Cup. Infantino says he plans to serve three full terms, which would end in 2031.

The shortened cycle was not a part of FIFA’s plans recently publicized by Infantino.

• The 2025 Club World Cup will expand to 32 teams and take place every four years.
• FIFA will launch friendly tournaments called the FIFA World Series.
• Soccer’s global organizing body announced plans to introduce the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup and establish the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.

FIFA expects to make $11 billion during the 2023-26 cycle, not including the 2025 Club World Cup.

MLS Moves

FIFA isn’t soccer’s only governing body that might have changes in mind.

MLS released its 2023 schedule — including St. Louis SC’s debut — but did not include the date of the 2023 MLS Cup final. Outlets have reported that the league might be considering an expanded playoff format.