Tebas Criticises FIFA Over Proposed 64-Team World Cup

Javier Tebas has criticised FIFA’s plans for a possible expanded 64-team World Cup in 2030, calling the move irresponsible and harmful to football’s wider structure.

The La Liga president shared his concerns in an interview with Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, where he questioned FIFA’s approach and leadership under president Gianni Infantino. Tebas said Infantino’s time at the organisation was “over” and argued that the current system has serious weaknesses.

“The football industry is not just about the World Cup, however important it may be,” he said.

“They are destroying the football industry — which generates tens of thousands of jobs — for an event that lasts 40 days and involves only a minority of players.”

Tebas believes the proposed World Cup expansion could place more pressure on the football calendar and weaken domestic leagues, which he described as the foundation of the sport. He said the global game needs fewer international fixtures and stronger support for clubs at every level.

At the opening ceremony of the 2030 World Cup, Infantino referred to discussions about increasing the number of teams for the tournament’s centenary edition. The event will mainly take place in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, while Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina will also host matches.

“We have repeatedly expressed our concerns about the competition calendar. And now they want to organise a 64-team World Cup,” Tebas added, emphasising that “it is the domestic leagues that keep this sport alive”.

The debate over the 64-team World Cup continues as football authorities consider the future direction of international competitions.

Do you think a larger World Cup would benefit football or put too much pressure on the sport?