FIFA’s 48-team World Cup gamble couldn’t have drawn up a better end result
FIFA’s expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams has not resulted in a noticeably weaker tournament, according to recent observations. The semifinals feature Spain versus France and England versus Argentina, matching many neutral fans’ expectations. Discussions are already emerging about further expansion to 64 teams based on the current competition dynamics.
- ▪The 48‑team format has largely avoided the feared dilution of quality, with only a few one‑game exceptions.
- ▪The final group‑stage day showed limited jeopardy, prompting suggestions to consider a 64‑team tournament.
- ▪Spain has conceded only one goal throughout the competition and has dominated possession.
- ▪France has progressed with decisive victories, appearing dominant against all opponents.
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Ethan Sears FIFA’s 48-team World Cup gamble couldn’t have drawn up a better end result By Ethan Sears Published July 12, 2026, 11:45 p.m. ET DeFodi Images/Shutterstock ARLINGTON, Texas — For all the worries about the World Cup’s expansion to 48 teams, FIFA could hardly have imagined a better outcome. With a few one-game exceptions, the competition never seemed watered-down. Instead of a reason to trim back to 32, the relative lack of jeopardy on the last day of the group stage seems a reason to expand to 64, as Gianni Infantino has already advocated in an interview with Swiss media outlet Bluewin. And still, the last four teams standing are the four that many neutral fan will have wanted to see.
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