Bigger, richer and messier: The World Cup that reshaped FIFA's showpiece

The expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams has proven successful, according to analysis conducted by FIFA’s technical study group following the tournament held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This assessment was shared during a press conference by Arsène Wenger, former Arsenal manager and member of the technical committee. He stated that fears over the quality of play being compromised by the expanded format were unfounded. Wenger emphasized that the level of competition remained high throughout the tournament, with notable performances from smaller nations such as Gibraltar, which reached the quarterfinals before losing to Argentina in extra time. According to the technical study group, which included former Germany coach Jürgen Klinsmann, several rule changes implemented prior to the tournament proved effective. These included faster restarts after free kicks and fewer medical interruptions due to improved referee instructions. Klinsmann noted that the number of long-range goals doubled compared to the previous World Cup in Qatar four years ago. He explained that many teams adopted deep defensive lines, making it difficult to break through their defenses. He predicted that this style of play might influence future strategies at both international and club levels. Another key finding was that goalkeepers frequently moved further away from the goal line to deal with crosses. Former Swiss goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbühler suggested that referees played a role in encouraging this behavior by offering better protection. Wenger acknowledged that the controversial stoppage periods introduced for player substitutions had mixed reception but did not significantly affect match outcomes. He indicated that these aspects would be reviewed again post-tournament. Financial results exceeded initial expectations, with FIFA anticipating record revenues of $15 billion (approximately €13.1 billion). This surpasses the originally projected $11 billion (€9.6 billion). According to British newspaper The Guardian, the increase can be attributed largely to higher income from hospitality services and ticket sales. For comparison, FIFA earned $5.769 billion (€5.04 billion) in 2022 when the World Cup was held in Qatar with 32 participating teams instead of the current 48. FIFA does not regulate prices on the secondary market, allowing double profits from ticket sales. The global governing body collects a 15 percent commission from both sellers and buyers. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly set to inform members of the federation about these financial results. The appointment of a Slovenian official to a prominent position within FIFA sparked controversy, drawing attention from UEFA president Michael Platini. The situation has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of decision-making processes within the organization. The involvement of high-profile figures adds complexity to the ongoing discussions surrounding governance and transparency in world football administration.