The ongoing debate surrounding the potential expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 64 teams has sparked significant dissent among football leaders across various confederations. President of Concacaf, Victor Montagliani, has taken a firm stance against CONMEBOL’s Alejandro Domínguez, who champions this expansion as a means to enhance the tournament for its 2030 edition. Montagliani’s perspective reflects a critical analysis of the current state of football and its ecosystems. He articulates a belief that while adaptation is crucial, the rapid scaling of such a prestigious event could dilute its essence and competitive integrity.
Montagliani highlights Concacaf’s progressive stance by pointing to their supportive actions regarding changes in the Women’s World Cup. However, he firmly declares that enlarging the men’s World Cup isn’t aligned with either the tournament’s history of excellence or the broader football landscape, which encompasses national teams, club events, and leagues. His thoughtful critique emphasizes the potential risks that come along with such substantial alterations, suggesting that with each additional team, the quality of competition may suffer.
Testing Existing Formats Before Expansion
The context of the discussion is intensified by the imminent implementation of a new 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup, which will be a landmark occasion slated to feature games hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Critics argue that it is premature to consider further enlargement before fully evaluating the implications and outcomes of this upcoming tournament format. Like Montagliani, UEFA’s president, Aleksander Čeferin, has voiced his disagreement, labeling the idea of expanding to 64 teams as a detrimental choice that could negatively impact both the World Cup and the qualification process for teams.
The overarching sentiment among opponents of the 64-team proposal resonates with a cautious approach: why rush to increase the numbers when the new format has yet to be tested? This hesitance resonates with traditionalists who fear that adding more teams may lead to subpar performances and a less engaging tournament experience.
Potential Chaos of Continuous Expansion
The ramifications of unchecked expansion are underscored by statements from AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who illustrates a slippery slope argument against further enlarging the World Cup. If the conversation is left open, he warns, one could foresee a radical increase in teams far beyond the 64 proposed—perhaps even up to 132—leading to disarray rather than progress.
Salman’s foresight presents an important caution: how will such expansions affect the football fabric that unites fans and players alike? The conversation around growth in football should involve thoughtful deliberation, considering both the nostalgic joy of world-class matches and the commercial aspects that often overshadow the sport’s more artistic and competitive principles.
In light of these differing viewpoints, it’s evident that while the desire for growth is understandable, the football community’s integrity and the tournament’s storied legacy warrant a carefully measured approach.