FIFA accused of 'destroying' soccer with 64-team World Cup expansion plans
Key Questions
What is La Liga president Javier Tebas criticizing about FIFA's plans?
Tebas has accused FIFA of 'destroying' soccer by expanding the World Cup to 64 teams. The proposal follows the 2026 tournament and has ignited debate on governance and the sport's future.
What other World Cup format changes are being discussed post-2026?
Discussions include potential hydration breaks, longer halftimes, and whether these adjustments will persist in future tournaments. The expansion plans signal possible lasting shifts in the competition structure.
Why is the 64-team World Cup expansion controversial?
Critics argue it risks diluting the quality of the tournament and overburdening players and schedules. La Liga's president has been particularly vocal in slamming the plans as detrimental to the sport.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has fiercely criticized FIFA's plans to expand the World Cup to 64 teams, accusing the governing body of 'destroying' soccer. The proposal comes in the aftermath of the 2026 tournament and has sparked a major debate about the sport's future direction and governance. Additionally, FIFA is considering making hydration breaks and longer halftimes permanent features, further fueling the discussion on the sport's evolution.