FIFA World Cup - Qatar 2022

All half decent teams yet you'll have the likes of Panama, Trinidad and new Zealand qualifying for these. Over 50 countries in Europe and the standard is clearly the highest. Only other respectable region is south America. If they ever do the 64 team world cup they'd really want to give more to Europe then the other regions. 

The standard in the euros isn't far off the world cup by itself if not equal on average. 

Mostly due to UEFA actually using FIFA money correctly for years. While yes European teams are better would it really benefit the game globally to give them more teams over other confederations, if that is indeed what FIFA wants to do.

Yes you might see a better (more competitive) game if let's say a Slovakia or Austria played Brazil over Trinidad & Tobago or Jamaica playing Brazil, but the potential money if used correctly by those confederations could help improve their infrastructure which I think is better in the long run.  

You must be joking? One of the most entertaining group stages in tournament history. Last 16 has been average at best, some mouth watering ties in store for QFs at least 

Yep that's my exact point "If used correctly" 

Yep Warner for example pretty much kept all the money for himself instead of using it to better the game in not only T&T but other Caribbean nations which he was the head of for years. He didn't swindle the likes of the US and Mexico though as he probably knew better (Of course it all caught up with him) The fella who replaced him can't remember his name was as bad as soon as he took over he was like Bribe me X.

The FIFA documentary on Netflix is quite the eye opener, as you say Infantino is as bad he just hasn't been caught yet. 

eireland wrote: So many European teams left. I think it's obvious Europe deserves more then the extra 3 teams we'll get for a 48 team WC. Italy, Norway, turkey, Sweden, Ireland, Scotland, Greece, Ukraine, Finland, Czech Republic, Austria, Israel, Ukraine, Russia, Slovakia, Albania, Iceland, Hungary, Romania, North Macedonia.

Interesting selection.

But if "Ireland" [sic] make the cut, I can think of quite a few others who should also be on it.

Well one, in particular.

The last 16 has been fairly forgettable, could have guessed that from the draw, If Belgium/Germany had got through you'd have had big clashes, as it is, there was a big name and a lesser name out of each group. Looking like a cracking last 8 though.

FWIW, I also feel we'll have an upset (or two) today.

I think Morocco could spring a surprise today they're a decent team

Well said. The same people give out about FIFA corruption and unfairness and forget the main role is to spread the sport around the world. For it's many faults, it does actually deliver millions of grants to associations.