CAPE TOWN – Opinions have been divided across the world about the viability of Fifa’s decision to expand the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams from 2026 onwards.
Some, such as former Bafana Bafana captains Lucas Radebe and Neil Tovey, have been in favour of the move, with Radebe tweeting that it presented a “big opportunity for smaller teams to be part of the magic of the #WorldCup”.
Others, such as ex-England striker Gary Lineker, feels “it’s about money”.
There will be 16 groups of three teams each, with the top two going through to the second round (32 teams).
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of the expansion, which has been pushed by new Fifa president Gianni Infantino in the spirit of “sporting merit”, adding: “Costa Rica eliminated England and Italy in the last World Cup, a good solid team, and there are many other teams who could make it to the World Cup.
“I believe that the actual quality could rise, because many more countries will have the chance to qualify so they will invest in their elite football as well as grassroots.”
Five Pros
Better chance for Bafana to qualify
Bafana Bafana have only come through the World Cup group qualifying stage twice – for the 1998 and 2002 tournaments. And after that memorable event on home soil in 2010, South Africa missed out on 2014 and are unlikely to reach Russia 2018 without a miracle. Maybe a slightly easier group for 2026?
More African teams
For too long have the continent’s best been denied a chance of playing at the world’s biggest sporting event. Africa have just five spots at the moment. This is likely to increase to eight by 2026 – not a massive jump, but at least three more spots.
Greater profits to be made
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has spoken about a possible $1 billion worth of extra revenue being generated by expanding the tournament from 32 to 48 teams. Of course, what happens to that money is another question, considering the corrupt recent past of the organisation during the Sepp Blatter era.
More competitive tournament
I don’t agree with many critics who have now stated that there will be ridiculous lopsided results if there are 48 teams. Many of the smaller countries around the world have become more competitive in recent years. Who would’ve seen Portugal winning Euro 2016, or Wales causing a few upsets? That’s not to mention the South American and African sides who have been kept out due to only five places being available for each continent at the finals (4.5 for South America, whose fifth-placed team have to go through a playoff against the Oceania champions).
New markets such as China
We’ve already seen a number of big names rocking up in Chinese football on exorbitant transfer deals in recent months, including Carlos Tevez and Oscar.
Imagine how much they would be prepared to spend on hosting a World Cup? China will provide many players from around the world to make it big. Some of our own PSL stars could make serious cash as a result.
Former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe is in favour of a 48-team World Cup. Photo: Samuel Shivambu, BackpagePix
Difficult for top teams to reach playoffs
Due to the extra teams, and three teams fighting out for two places in the second round, it could result in some giant-killing acts in the group stages.
The second round of 32 teams will already be the knockout stage, so you will have to be really at the top of your game to reach the last-16 and quarter-finals.
May rule out potential hosts
While South Africa hosted a magnificent event in 2010, we all know that the local organising committee went well out of budget. There were serious questions asked about new stadia being built in some cities, especially in Cape Town, for fear of being stuck with “white elephants” afterwards.
But hospitality and transport infrastructure alone could prove prohibitive to potential bidders, especially in developing countries.
The Netherlands and Uruguay teams line up ahead of the 2010 World Cup semi-final at the Cape Town Stadium. Photo: Radu Sigheti, Reuters
You go through all the blood, sweat and tears of the qualifying rounds, which could be two stages on your continent, but then you play just two games before being knocked out. What’s supposed to be the experience of a lifetime is over before it even started.
It’s all about the money
Are Fifa and their president Gianni Infantino serious of growing the “Beautiful Game” even further, or will the dominant Uefa countries fill their pockets once more? There will be lots of wheeling and dealing in trying to secure funding or host events, but it must be for the right reasons.
Group game collusion
As there will be just two group games, if the teams facing each other drew their opening match, they may just decide to play to a draw (with however many goals required) to ensure the third team doesn’t have a chance of making it. Also, if both teams won their first games, the last group match becomes a dead-rubber.