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FIFA eyes World Cup format expansion from 48 to 64 teams: Should the US be the permanent host?
FIFA is reportedly considering expanding the World Cup format from 48 to 64 teams, a move that has emerged amid debate over the tournament's future following this year's US-hosted competition. The proposal has reignited discussion about whether the United States should become a permanent or recurring host nation, given the scale of infrastructure, revenue and audience the country was able to generate.
Despite criticism from some European fans, commentators and domestic sportswriters about aspects of the 2026 World Cup, the tournament is being credited with record viewership figures and a significant economic boost for host cities across the US. Commentators cited in the piece, including Major League Soccer founder Alan Rothenberg, argue the event's success could inspire a new generation of American players and strengthen the sport's long-term growth in the country, feeding into the case for expanded hosting ambitions.
In short
- FIFA reportedly weighing World Cup expansion from 48 to 64 teams
- Debate grows over making the US a permanent host
- 2026 tournament praised for record viewership and economic impact
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The 2026 World Cup demonstrated that the United States possesses the infrastructure, commercial capacity and organisational expertise to host world-class tournaments that generate record viewership and substantial economic benefits for host cities. A permanent or recurring hosting arrangement would provide consistent, high-quality platforms for developing American football talent and expanding the sport's foothold in a massive and growing market, whilst maximising the tournament's reach and commercial potential.
The case against
The World Cup's global character and developmental purpose depend upon rotating the tournament among nations, ensuring that hosting opportunities and their attendant economic and cultural benefits are distributed equitably across the football world. Making the United States a permanent or recurring host would concentrate privilege in an already wealthy nation and undermine FIFA's commitment to fostering football development globally, prioritising commercial returns for the richest markets over genuine opportunities for other nations.
Explained simply
The men’s World Cup is FIFA’s international football tournament, held every four years. FIFA, football’s world governing body, expanded it from 32 teams to 48 for the 2026 competition, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The United States has large stadiums and a major commercial market, while football competes there with other popular sports. Hosting can bring visitors and revenue to cities, but it also raises questions about costs, access for fans and how often the tournament should return to the same country.
Alan Rothenberg, a former president of the US Soccer Federation and a founder of Major League Soccer, has argued that hosting could help football grow in the US. The wider debate concerns how FIFA balances the tournament’s reach and finances with travel demands and opportunities for countries around the world to host.
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