Fifa will consider expanding World Cup to 64 teams for 2030 tournament
GuardianMAR 5
FIFA Considers Expanding 2030 World Cup to 64 Teams
Above: South America's CONMEBOL Pres. Alejandro Dominguez and FIFA Pres. Gianni Infantino flanked by Paraguayan Pres. Santiago Peña and Luis Lacalle Pou, then-president of Uruguay, in Luque, Paraguay, on April 11, 2024. Image copyright: Norberto Duarte/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This proposal shows that some soccer leaders are completely out of touch with fans and players. It's pure madness to even consider further expanding the World Cup. Let alone worsening logistical challenges and the environmental impact of such a change, this move would affect the prestige and quality of the tournament.
Narrative B
A one-off expansion to mark the centenary of the event may have more benefits than drawbacks. There are indeed logistical challenges and environmental concerns related to this proposal, but allowing more countries to compete in the World Cup would help further promote and develop the game beyond Europe and the Americas.