The 64-team World Cup and who owns football’s biggest tournament

The 64-team World Cup is a concept that has been debated for some time, with the potential to make football the biggest tournament of them all. The idea, shelved for now, has been reignited recently, and it is worth investigating the pros and cons of such a radical expansion.

The last time a World Cup reached 48 teams, it saw a dramatic increase in the number of goals scored per match, averaging 2.99 goals in the group stage. However, there were also more one-sided games, with 18 matches ending with a difference of three goals or more. This suggests that while the tournament would be more entertaining, it might also be more chaotic.

Expansion to 64 teams would undoubtedly enrich football's history with more unforgettable stories, as evidenced by Josimar Dias, the unknown goalkeeper who made a hero's save in the 2022 World Cup final. Names like Italy, Nigeria, and Cameroon could join the big names in the competition, giving fans more opportunities to witness football greatness.

However, the debate has not been without its critics. Jürgen Klopp, for one, has expressed concerns about the increased workload for players, arguing that it could harm their health in the long run. It is clear that the decision to expand the World Cup would be a complex one, weighing the benefits of increased participation against the potential drawbacks of a more rigorous schedule.