I take it you were against the increase from 24 to 32 back in 1998?
and the increase from 16 to 24 in 1982?
My view is: there are more confederations able to compete and put forward good teams. Expansion makes sense.
In previous eras teams like Saudi Arabia and Japan would never have had a route to the finals because their confederation didn't get the spots, yet they've proven they can be there on merit.
As it stands, Oceania (11 countries, 0 qualified), AFC (46 countries, 6 qualified), CONCACAF (35 countries, 4 qualified) and CAF (54 countries, 5 qualified) are under-represented in a 32 team World Cup when you compare with Europe's slots (55 countries, 13 qualified). It's reasonable to think that the more teams that can participate, the more likely it is for football to improve in those countries.
jdoyle87 t1_ixq0ttf wrote
Reply to comment by almightygarlicdoggo in TIL the 2026 World Cup will be the first Cup to host 48 teams instead of the usual 32. by hcbaron
I take it you were against the increase from 24 to 32 back in 1998?
and the increase from 16 to 24 in 1982?
My view is: there are more confederations able to compete and put forward good teams. Expansion makes sense.
In previous eras teams like Saudi Arabia and Japan would never have had a route to the finals because their confederation didn't get the spots, yet they've proven they can be there on merit.
As it stands, Oceania (11 countries, 0 qualified), AFC (46 countries, 6 qualified), CONCACAF (35 countries, 4 qualified) and CAF (54 countries, 5 qualified) are under-represented in a 32 team World Cup when you compare with Europe's slots (55 countries, 13 qualified). It's reasonable to think that the more teams that can participate, the more likely it is for football to improve in those countries.