The expansion from 32 to 48 teams was driven by more than just a desire for greater inclusion. It also reflected FIFA’s ambition to grow the global football economy, broaden the sport’s worldwide reach, and strengthen its political support among member associations.
For football nations, reaching the World Cup has become a major financial milestone, with every qualified team guaranteed a significant payout. For national federations, this income can support coaching programmes, infrastructure, youth development and national team operations for several years, making qualification both a sporting success and a major economic opportunity. Imagine if Malta would actually play in the next editions of the FIFA World Cup. Maltese football can really get there we just need to plan well ahead and win three games out of eight games in the next European Qualifiers Group stage. With just 9 points within a group of 5 Nations we can really make it happen. Its is simple mathematics.
The World Cup winners will receive $50 million, an increase from the $42 million awarded to Argentina in Qatar four years earlier. Overall, FIFA’s prize distribution has also risen sharply, from $440 million in 2022 to more than $700 million in 2026.
The growing financial and global appeal of the World Cup helps explain why FIFA was so keen to increase the tournament from 32 to 48 teams. There are already reports that the governing body is exploring the possibility of expanding the competition even further to 64 nations in future editions.
FIFA has consistently maintained that expansion is primarily about greater inclusion. Increasing the number of participating teams gives more countries—particularly those that have traditionally found qualification difficult—the opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage. Morocco’s remarkable run to the semi-finals in 2022 showed that the gap between the traditional giants and emerging nations is narrowing, while the sport’s continued growth across the globe has reinforced the argument for broader representation.
Opponents of expansion argue that adding more teams risks diluting the quality of the tournament. However, memorable stories such as Cape Verde’s inspiring campaign led by veteran goalkeeper Vozinha and Paraguay’s shock victory over Germany have demonstrated that a larger World Cup can still deliver high-quality football and unforgettable upsets, strengthening the case for a more inclusive competition.
