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48 team 2026 World Cup expands access but critics fear weaker drama and easier knockouts
Sports
Published on 11 May 2026
More teams mean more chances — but less suspense
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams, with Gianni Infantino arguing it boosts global representation and makes the event more of a shared “social” spectacle. Supporters see opportunities for debutants like Curacao and Jordan, while critics worry the extra spots reduce stakes and make it easier for teams to reach the knockouts.
- World Cup expands to 48 teams for 2026
- Debutants like Curacao and Jordan gain a direct shot
- Critics say the path to knockouts may feel less demanding
- FIFA frames the change as more inclusive and more event driven
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times