Show notes: Podcast 284

Sound of Football Podcast 284 - Super-sized World Cup

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FIFA's decision this month to expand the World Cup finals from 32 teams to 48 teams for 2026 has sparked controversy. Many commentators have suggested that the motivation behind the expansion is purely financial, but is that reason enough for it to be a "bad decision"? How will the new format work in practice? Does the system of three team groups leave the competition open for abuses and collusion?

With Graham Sibley, Jan Bilton and Terry Duffelen.

Duration: 34.30 | Filesize: 39.5MB (MP3)

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Links

• Sky Sports: FIFA council votes in favour of 48-team World Cup from 2026
• Guardian: How will a 48-team World Cup work? Fifa’s plan for 2026 explained
• Independent: 10 things to hate about a 48-team World Cup

Data

English League positions at time of recording: Premier League | Championship | League One | League Two