32 too few

The World Cup really is an cultural phenomenon. Occurring just once every four years, it brings together 32 Nations from across the globe, in a celebration of the world’s most popular game. For die-hard fans, it is the most sacred of events, with the greatest players of the greatest teams competing for their place in history. For more casual observers, it is a time to unite behind their country, in the hopes of seeing them to glory. This world cup has proved no exception thus far. Despite the pre-tournament protests and the FIFA corruption scandals, fans still flock to stadia and television screens, proving that what matters most of all is the game itself.

Yet to call the World Cup a global event is somewhat of a misnomer. Yes it is true that teams from every corner of the globe, nations as different as the United States and Iran will all compete under the same banner at the tournament. However, it also disguises the fact that, of the 209 FIFA members, a mere 32 will be allowed participate in the final. The two largest countries in the world, India and China, have no representation, whereas the hugely populous continent of Africa has a mere 5 nations representing it. Similarly players such as Gareth Bale and Zlatan Ibrahimovich, despite being among the very best in the world, and absent from the competition purely as a result of them being born into less football inclined nations, Wales and Sweden respectively. Other nations to miss out include Ireland, whose fans are largely viewed as among the greatest in the world, and Turkey, a team who finished 3^rd less than 12 years ago.

The simple problem is that the number of teams permitted in the World Cup has not kept pace with the rise in dominance of the sport across the globe. FIFA, as the governing body of the sport, should be aiming to increase the sport’s popularity as much as possible. This means expanding it to non-traditional footballing nations, so that more can fall in love with the sport.  This does not mean bringing the competition to Qatar, as is planned, but instead should look to increase the number of teams that partake in the finals. Is there any reason why it should not be doubled, so that 64 nations take part in the tournament rather than the current number? On the face of it, it seems not. Yes it would undoubtedly require more logistics, although it would really only lead to one extra game per team. The tournament would go on for longer, although, with it only happening every four years anyway, fans would hardly complain. It would also allow for greater rest for players between matches, the importance of which cannot be understated. With more smaller nations at the competition, it would increase the likelihood of David’s toppling Goliaths, an event which hugely increases the popularity of the sport, particularly amongst the smaller nations. It would give individual players more opportunity to shine and make a name for themselves. Who for example would not relish the prospect of Brazil playing a team like Wales, with the opportunity for Welsh players such as Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey to cement their names in folklore history. The inclusion of China and India could bring the beautiful game to the Asian Frontier which has long eluded it.

FIFA’s ultimate aim should be to increase the popularity and global dominance of the sport. The best way to do this, rather than hosting the competition in the middle of the desert, is to increase the number of teams at the Finals. That way, far more casual supporters would experience the sport, and make the beautiful game a truly global one.