World Cup Expansion to 40 no, 48 teams

savo01 wrote: With so many non European players filling the European leagues it is getting harder to justify such a big number of European teams getting places. Europe is shooting itself in the foot.

Well 5 of the last 6 finalists and the last 3 World Champions have been European teams. I think we all know which is by far the strongest confederation.

Would only be good if it improved the quality of the teams. Not just to give the weaker associations all the places

savo01 wrote: With so many non European players filling the European leagues it is getting harder to justify such a big number of European teams getting places. Europe is shooting itself in the foot.

I'll say it again .....

Have you ever watched the African Cup of Nations ?

Its so bad its funny.

After Italy 1990, when Cameroon made the QF's it was said that it was only a matter of time before an African side would win the world cup. We're still waiting. Likewise, Asia. Save for a dubious South Korean S/F in 2002, a couple more QF appearances for African sides (Ghana 2010, Senegal 2002) they've respectively achieved fcuk all at World Cups to merit substantially more places. 

AnCearrbhach wrote: Aside from UEFA only Concacaf deserve more places. AFC is over represented, CAF about right and there no way OFC should get a full place. Nab a half place off AFC and give it to Concacaf problem solved.

I always thought CONCACAF and CONNEMBOL should be merged. There's 35 teams there, let them play a preliminary round/group to get it down to 24.

Gary McKay wrote: Shedite wrote: I always thought CONCACAF and CONNEMBOL should be merged. There's 35 teams there, let them play a preliminary round/group to get it down to 24. 6 groups of 4 teams, 6 group winners and playoffs for the runners up would get ya to the 9 teams they currently have. Apart from USA and Mexico none of them would have a hope in hell's chance of qualifying if lumped in with SA.

Hoping they would also expand in Concacaf, Asia and Africa, a limited slot prevent those teams to showcase what they have. It feels like playing for Hunger Games. LOL

I don't think it's too bad an idea tbh, I wonder how the teams will be seeded will it be by straight up on the rankings or will it be x amount from one region x from another eg. 6 from Europe, 3 from SA, 3  from Africa, 1 from NA, 2 from Asia and the Host?

if it was straight from rankings there could be a danger of hosts missing out on seeding fro example Russia who will host 2018 were 18th in the rankings at time of 2014 draw they're currently 38th

Scrap the above statement the host are always seeded


Edited by lassassinblanc - 05 Oct 2016 at 10:57am

I reckon by 2026 I won't be watching football at all and I doubt I will be the only former fan.