Wrapped in paradox: Most inclusive tournament in terms of countries participating yet many excluded
Haxie Meyers-Belkin is pleased to welcome Jules Boykoff, Professor at the Pacific University of Oregon, former professional football player and author on the politics of football. The 2026 FIFA World…
Haxie Meyers-Belkin is pleased to welcome Jules Boykoff, Professor at the Pacific University of Oregon, former professional football player and author
Read Full Story at France 24 →Why This Matters
The 2026 World Cup’s expanded format—featuring 48 teams from six confederations—represents a symbolic leap toward global footballing equity. Yet the paradox of exclusion at the very moment of supposed inclusivity underscores FIFA’s persistent tensions between commercial ambition and structural inequality. If the tournament truly embraces its mandate to grow the game, these contradictions risk undermining its legitimacy long after the final whistle.
Background Context
FIFA’s decision to triple the number of participating nations was framed as a victory for football’s global appeal, yet the criteria for qualification remain skewed by historical power dynamics. UEFA and CONMEBOL still control the majority of spots, while smaller confederations like CONCACAF and CAF are often funneled into high-stakes intercontinental playoffs that favor established footballing nations. Meanwhile, nations like China and India—with vast footballing potential—continue to be sidelined despite their economic and demographic influence.
What Happens Next
Watch for protests or symbolic acts of defiance from excluded federations, particularly those whose bids fell short in FIFA’s opaque selection process. The 2026 edition may also prompt calls for a more transparent, merit-based qualification system ahead of future tournaments, though any reforms would likely face resistance from football’s entrenched power brokers. Expect debates over whether the expanded format truly diversifies the sport or merely masks the same old hierarchies in a bigger tournament.
Bigger Picture
This tension reflects a broader crisis in global sports governance, where growth strategies often collide with the realities of inequality. The World Cup’s expansion mirrors trends in other major tournaments, where inclusion is marketed as progress while structural barriers remain intact. If FIFA fails to address these paradoxes, the tournament’s global appeal may increasingly clash with its moral authority, setting the stage for deeper scrutiny of how football’s governing bodies wield power.
