Has the expansion to 48 teams affected the quality of the World Cup?
Experts discuss the impact of expanding the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams, debating whether the increase dilutes the quality of play. While some critics feared one-sided matches, early evidence suggests increased competitiveness and better representation of smaller footballing nations.
Why it matters
This shift marks a major change in the structure of the world's most popular sporting event, influencing global sports policy and inclusivity.
In January 2017, when FIFA expanded the World Cup to 48 teams, starting with the 2026 edition , there were mixed feelings. Many welcomed the move, arguing that the flagship event of the planet’s most popular sport should have more than just 32 outfits. But there was criticism too, for many felt that the increase would dilute the quality of football. What does evidence from the ongoing World Cup in North America say? Pradhyum Reddy and Lallianzuala Chhangte discuss this in a conversation moderated by N. Sudarshan .
The article presents a balanced discussion between two experts with differing perspectives on the expansion.
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