The recently concluded, expanded-format FIFA World Cup was a roaring success, with teams like South Africa making history standing out as a major highlight, according to former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke.
“You would hope that they will give it a proper assessment after this World Cup, but we’ve seen the likes of South Africa getting further into the competition, and it really has been an opportunity for these teams,” Yorke told BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest football odds.
Bafana Bafana made it through to the knockout stages for the first time in their history. Even though they ultimately fell to co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32, their campaign was widely considered a triumph. In fact, even under the previous 32-team format, Bafana would have progressed after finishing second in their group.
“There was a question mark about going from 32 teams at a World Cup to 48, and there was a huge debate about it because we didn’t know how it was going to turn out,” Yorke added.
World Cup Expansion Concerns: Quality vs. Inclusivity in 2030
“It has definitely improved the World Cup in that sense. The only real issue is the length of time and how much football has to be played over the course of such a massive tournament.”
However, a major talking point has emerged, as FIFA is reportedly considering expanding the World Cup format even further—to 64 teams—for the 2030 edition.
“Does it hurt the actual quality of the competition? That’s the question mark for me over going up again to 64 teams,” Yorke cautioned. “Yes, you want other countries to experience what it’s like being on the world stage.”
“It’s good for people to engage with different teams and showcase different cultures because football is global, but you’ve got to be careful. We can’t keep expanding it. We go from 32 to 48 and now potentially 64—they’ll want to invite 100 teams next time around.”
@Michael_Sherman
IOL Sport
