FIFA's ambitious expansion plans are set to take another leap forward, with the governing body considering a massive increase in the number of teams participating in the World Cup. The 2026 tournament, which welcomed 48 teams for the first time, has sparked a surge in interest and revenue, and FIFA is now eyeing another significant expansion. With the potential to tap into the massive Chinese market, estimated to be home to over 1 billion football fans, FIFA is weighing the benefits of a larger tournament, but the question remains: can they overcome the challenges that prevented China from qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the first place? As FIFA ponders its next move, the global football community will be watching with bated breath to see what the future holds for the sport's most prestigious tournament.
The 2026 World Cup expanded to 48 teams, but China still couldn’t qualify. Now FIFA is eyeing another expansion — and the billions of fans it hopes China could bring.
