World Cup 2026

[Jim05]

FIFA have unanimously voted for the 2026 World Cup participation to be raised to 48 teams. At the group stage there will now be 16 groups of 3.

Personally I think it's a terrible decision, as there is there are too many minnows allowed entry. By increasing it to 48 we are going to see Nations in the WC that would struggle to beat A-League sides. Also will devalue the qualification process.
Not surprised though with these corrupt pricks running the show, probably were bribed by China or some other garbage country

[bennymacca]

Yeah seems a strange decision. Has to be a money grab which isn't really surprising being Fifa

[Jim05]

Yeah seems a strange decision. Has to be a money grab which isn't really surprising being Fifa

Especially when some of the countries bidding for the WC are not flush with cash. The infrastructure demands for a 32 team cup are high enough without having to provide for another 16 teams and the extra games. I think quite a few nations will rule themselves out of bidding now

[bennymacca]

Will basically mean Australia will quality every year now. Which will take something away imo. I love that it's an achievement when we have qualified

[RB]

Agree with all the above. Shithouse decision.

If it ain't broken...

[Jim05]

Will basically mean Australia will quality every year now. Which will take something away imo. I love that it's an achievement when we have qualified

Sounds like it. After reading the report it sounds like Asia will benefit with a couple of extra spots but Africa will be the biggest winner

[RB]

Yep, more slots = more cash: "You get a World Cup slot, you get a World Cup slot, you get a World Cup slot!!..."

[Jim05]

Asia with 8 spots. What a surprise, the Middle Eastern countries is where the most $ (bribes) are

[Wedgie]

Nations that would struggle to beat an A League side?
I can't even think of a suburb that would struggle to beat an A League side.

[Jim05]

Nations that would struggle to beat an A League side?
I can't even think of a suburb that would struggle to beat an A League side.

Despite the A-League not being the strongest comp it's far from the worst.
Equivalent to the bottom half of Championship football

[Jim05]

What a farce. 16 groups of 3 with the top 2 in each group going through to create 32 sides going through to the second round. Will be penalty shootouts at group stages WTF??

[bennymacca]

What a farce. 16 groups of 3 with the top 2 in each group going through to create 32 sides going through to the second round. Will be penalty shootouts at group stages WTF??

May as well have gone to 64

[RB]

Will be penalty shootouts at group stages WTF??

After Extra Time or just after 90 minutes?

[whufc]

Will basically mean Australia will quality every year now. Which will take something away imo. I love that it's an achievement when we have qualified

Agree

As you said its just a money grab by FIFA but definitely takes away some of that prestige of making the world cup.

[LaughingKookaburra]

Nations that would struggle to beat an A League side?
I can't even think of a suburb that would struggle to beat an A League side.

I actually think the aleague fares well when you really weigh things up. Highly competitive in Asian Club competition considering what the clubs have to spend. If aleague clubs had the same budgets as the Jleague, Kleague and China I am confident they would put up a better standard.