FIFA informed on Monday (20) that it will hold a virtual summit with its affiliates on September 30 to discuss changes to the international football calendar. The most important of which is to hold the World Cup every two years instead of four.
The move could lead to more teams participating in the World Cup Finals, as well as an opportunity for more countries to host the tournament. As of the 2026 World Cup, there will be an increase from 32 to 48 teams in the competition.
If the change is approved, the World Cup will be held every two years after the 2026 edition, which will be held in the three North American countries (Canada, the United States and Mexico).
“There is broad consensus on the need to reform and improve the international calendar,” FIFA wrote in an official note. “Following invitations to stakeholders, including all confederations, at the beginning of September, discussions are being organized in the coming weeks.”
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Frenchman Arsene Wenger, former Arsenal coach and now FIFA development director, again this month defended an international tournament for the national team every year, which will have an impact on the World Cup and continental competitions such as the European Championship and Copa America.
“FIFA is committed to being a forum for meaningful discussion, with the participation of a wide range of stakeholders, including fans, and looks forward to discussions on the sustainable growth of football in all regions of the world, and at all levels,” concluded the Board of Directors. football.
The European Club Association, World Leagues Forum and FIFPro will also participate in the virtual meeting. To date, entities such as Uefa and CONMEBOL, as well as Portuguese federations and GermanThey opposed the idea of holding the World Cup every two years.
Last week, FIFA released the results of an online survey of more than 23,000 people that showed 55% support for the initiative to shorten the interval between World Cup finals.
For the 2030 championship, South America is competing with Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Paraguay for the nomination with Europe, specifically England. FIFA, in turn, wants to expand to the UK to cover Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Spain and Portugal, together, are in battle, too. The African candidate can be selected in 2032, while Asia, with China as the favorite, will host the World Cup in 2034.
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