The debate surrounding the expansion of the World Cup to 64 teams has ignited fierce discussions among football confederations, primarily stemming from concerns about the integrity of the tournament itself. Concacaf President Victor Montagliani has voiced his disapproval of CONMEBOL chief Alejandro Domínguez’s proposal, emphasizing the importance of both the competition and the football ecosystem. Montagliani’s position highlights a significant sentiment shared by many in football: the traditional tournament format holds more value in maintaining the quality and prestige of the event than arbitrary growth might suggest.
Testing the Waters with 48 Teams
As the football world prepares for the 2026 World Cup, which will introduce a trial 48-team format, the timing of Domínguez’s proposal raises eyebrows. The fact that we have yet to see this new format in action makes the suggestion to jump straight to 64 teams doubly puzzling. It appears both premature and reckless for football’s governance bodies to even contemplate another increase before assessing the impact and logistics of the newly proposed format.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has echoed Montagliani’s concerns, classifying the notion of expansion as a “bad idea.” In his view, introducing more teams may dilute the competitive integrity and the excitement that fans associate with the World Cup. Qualifying rounds could become clogged with too many teams, which might compromise the overall quality of matches and lead to a lesser spectacle.
The Risk of Chaos
AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa further articulates a critical point: if the door is flung open too wide, it could lead to demands for even more extreme expansions, such as a leap to 132 teams. This notion of chaotic growth reflects a worrying trend in sports where quantity is mistakenly perceived as synonymous with quality. What would be the worth of the World Cup if it turns into a convoluted tournament where competitive spirit is sacrificed on the altar of more teams?
The value of the World Cup lies not just in its scale, but in its ability to showcase the very best in football. Crowning a champion among 64 teams would homogenize the competition and risk sidelining the narratives and triumphs of those national teams who have fought fiercely to participate. Each World Cup creates its own stories of passion and contest; is it prudent to risk that for mere numerical expansion?
Protecting the Spirit of the Game
Ultimately, the push by Domínguez could be seen as a reflection of an overarching trend in not just football, but in all sports—the incessant drive for growth at all costs. However, the leaders in football must keep their focus on preserving the spirit of the game. Allowing the World Cup to evolve with intention and purpose, rather than succumbing to corporate or competitive pressures to expand, is a principle that should guide decision-making.
The sanctity of the tournament must remain intact. The beautiful game deserves better than a mere numbers game; it requires thoughtful leadership that prioritizes quality and heritage over expansion for its own sake. As football enthusiasts, we must advocate for a future that respects the core values of the game we love while allowing it to grow sustainably.