FIFA President Gianni Infantino's latest proposal to expand the World Cup to 64 teams in 2030 is a dangerous move that threatens to ruin the sport's most prestigious tournament. While Infantino's goal of making the World Cup more inclusive and accessible to nations around the world is commendable, his approach is misguided and could have detrimental consequences.
Infantino's argument that the tournament should be organized for the 'whole world' is a noble one, but it fails to consider the practical implications. The 2026 World Cup, which is already the biggest sports tournament in history, has been criticized for its absurdly overpriced tickets and logistical challenges. Expanding the tournament further would only exacerbate these issues, making it even more difficult for fans to attend matches and enjoy the event.
Moreover, the idea that bigger is always better for the beautiful game is a misconception. The performances of lesser-known teams like Panama, Iraq, Qatar, Jordan, New Zealand, and Curacao in the 2026 World Cup have shown that bigger isn't always better. The top-four teams, such as France, Argentina, Spain, and England, have dominated the tournament, making it predictable and less exciting for fans.
Infantino's proposal would also lead to a dilution of the World Cup's prestige. With more teams participating, the tournament would become more crowded and less competitive, making it harder for smaller nations to progress. The current format, with its top-four seeds, already ensures that the best teams reach the semifinals, and expanding it would only reinforce this trend.
Additionally, the annual international schedule is already overpacked, and the 2030 World Cup would only add to the logistical nightmare. With matches beginning in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, and then moving to Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, the tournament would be a logistical challenge. Infantino's proposal would also double the number of matches played in a 24-year period, putting immense pressure on players and teams.
In my opinion, Infantino's proposal is a step too far and could be the most destructive FIFA move yet. It would ruin the World Cup's prestige, make it less accessible to fans, and dilute the excitement of the tournament. The football world needs to realize that even the World Cup has boundaries, and Infantino should reconsider his approach to ensure the sport's most prestigious event remains a celebration of football, not a business expansion.
