More Than a Game: The Cultural Cost of a 64-Team World Cup

The opposition to a 64-team World Cup runs deeper than just logistics and business; it touches on the potential cultural cost to the world’s most beloved sporting event. FIFA’s decision to reject the proposal reflects a desire to protect the tournament’s cultural significance, which is built on a foundation of scarcity and shared national drama.
The South American proposal for a 64-team tournament in 2030 was presented as a more inclusive event. However, critics argued that this hyper-inclusivity would come at a steep cultural price. The World Cup’s magic lies in the fact that it is a rare and special occasion. The four-year wait, the grueling qualification campaigns, and the agony of just missing out all contribute to the emotional weight of the finals.
If qualifying becomes a near-certainty for many nations, that drama is lost. The tournament risks becoming just another part of the football calendar, rather than a cherished festival that brings entire nations to a standstill. A 128-match tournament could also lead to cultural burnout, with the public unable to sustain the high level of emotional investment required.
The statements from figures like Victor Montagliani, who said the idea “just doesn’t feel right,” tap into this cultural concern. It’s a recognition that the World Cup is more than just a series of football matches; it’s a shared global experience whose value is intrinsically linked to its structure and rhythm.
By saying “no” to 64 teams, FIFA is acting as a custodian of this cultural heritage. It is choosing to protect the very elements that have elevated the World Cup from a mere sports competition into a global cultural phenomenon.