World Cup expansion may cause problems
The Football Association has urged FIFA to consider the needs of supporters, players and teams after plans for a 48-team World Cup expansion were approved on Tuesday.
The FIFA Council unanimously backed a model to increase participants from 32 nations to 48, divided into 16 groups of three, for the 2026 World Cup onwards in the competition’s first revamp since 1998.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino believes a more swelled tournament will enhance the game globally, but the FA has stressed that various interests must be considered when proposals are formalised.
“We will work with UEFA, FIFA and the other European associations to understand how the 48-team FIFA World Cup will work,” an FA statement said.
“The priority has to be consideration of the potentialimpact on fans, players,
teams and leagues, and also recognition of the importance of sporting integrity and commercial viability.
“In terms of the allocation of places, we note that further discussions will follow across the confederations and would expect a proper consultation process to be carried out before any decision is made.”
A number of issues remain unresolved - not least how the 16 extra qualifying spots are divided up, with Infantino only promising each of the six associations more representation in 2026.
Currently, UEFA has 13 qualifying places for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, five will come from Africa, four or five from Asia and South America, three from North America and one from Oceania, provided they win a play-off.
“It was clear that all other confederations were overwhelmingly in favour of expanding the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams starting in 2026,” a UEFA statement said.
“As a result, UEFA decided to join in supporting the new format of the competition.
“UEFA is satisfied that it succeeded in postponing the final decision regarding the slot allocation of every confederation in the future format of the FIFA World Cup.
“We would also like to state that we are happy that the new proposed length and format of the tournament does not increase the burden on players. “