Huge problems I see with the new 48 team World Cup format.

A 48 team World Cup, with a group stage where two qualify from three out of every group. What an absolute farce this is going to be. Potential problems:

The groups could be hugely unbalanced, meaning it will be almost impossible for the big sides to get knocked out. Group A - England, Argentina, Fiji. Hmmm, I wonder who'll go through from that.

Teams could potentially go through with one point! One team wins both games, the other two draw.

A lot of potential for teams all having identical records, leading to teams could get knocked out by the drawing of lots - hugely unfair.

Odd number of teams in groups means the teams playing the final match have a huge advantage in already knowing what they need to do. I can envisage a large number of draws being played out to ensure qualification.

The only solution I see to retain any excitement in the group stages would be to do away with seeding completely. A group with Brazil, Germany and Spain. Two go through, one goes out. Any slip-up could be fatal. Now that would be exciting, although it doesn't negate the other issues mentioned. But they'd never go for it anyway, there would be uproar from the big sides.

Overall, it seems very poorly thought through. Or maybe FIFA just doesn't care.

 

Much as I enjoyed your post...you could just have written the last sentence.

 

Wrt one of your other points, I'm pretty sure that Fifa ranking is used as a discriminator rather that lots.

 

It’ll be boring as **** that’s my issue.

 

Very much agree with this. Anyone on here that’s played for either a good team or a toss one will know that nobody wins from a 10 0 game. Diabolical decision and if people think there are no easy internationals then they’re wrong if you approach them properly.

 

This happened in the ill advised format in Espana '82, when the 2nd Round & Qtr Finals were done away with for further group stages of 3 teams each.
The hosts Spain were already out when they played us and we needed to win by 2 which we failed to do. Poland knew that their 0-0 draw would be good enough against the Soviets, and France knew that a draw against N.Ireland would be enough (although they certainly didn't play for a draw).
Having odd teams in group stages is indeed a ridiculous idea but Im rapidly losing interest in the World cup when you see whats coming up next, in Qatar of all places.

 

There are more than enough teams already in the World Cup. In my opinion, 48 teams is simply insane!

 

That's nearly as bad. Spain only need to equal Australia's results, as they'll go through anyway due to being ranked higher. Oh dear.

 

As I said, get rid of seeding. Three powerhouse teams in one group, only two can progress. That would be very interesting, but they'd never go for it.

 

utterly stupid. But then this is FIFA. As stupid as they are corrupt.

 

No better example of this than the West Germany v Austria game https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disgrace_of_Gijón

 

I agreed with their idea of extending it to 24 teams in '82, but the numbers weren't right for creating a Last-16 & a Qtr final round.
They did alter it to that format in '86 but it meant teams going through who only finished 3rd and thats not right.

Speaking of ridiculous changes to tournaments, have you all noticed how they are pratting about with the next Euros for 2020. and I don't understand this new Nations cup thing either which is meant to effectively end future Intl friendlies.

 

If it makes money they will do it. Gotta try to ensure India and China qualiify to make money from the big markets. That's what they mean when they say they want to grow the game. That's why it's in Russia and we're going to Qatar. It's disgusting.

 

At least it’s not as bad as the 2019 cricket World Cup, the whole thing is a farce to ensure India are on tv enough.