New faces, gulfs in class and flawed drama: how 48 teams changed the World Cup
The 2026 World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, has sparked debate regarding the balance between inclusivity and sporting quality. While the expansion allowed more nations to participate and generate revenue, critics argue it widened the gap in class between teams and diluted the tournament's competitive standard.
Why it matters
The expansion of major sporting events reflects a shift in global sports governance, prioritizing commercial growth and geographic representation over traditional competitive structures.
The first 48-team World Cup meant the tournament was bigger than ever – but was it better? Composite: Guardian Design, Getty Images The first 48-team World Cup meant the tournament was bigger than ever – but was it better? Composite: Guardian Design, Getty Images World Cup 2026 New faces, gulfs in class and flawed drama: how 48 teams changed the World Cup The first 48-team World Cup had its positives and negatives – do we need to brace for a 64-team future?
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