FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hit out at UEFA's opposition to the expanded 48-team World Cup, calling the European body's stance "unacceptable" and urging unity ahead of the 2026 tournament.
Infantino's Criticism
Speaking at a press conference, Infantino said UEFA's attempts to block the new format were "disrespectful" to the global football community. He emphasized that the expanded tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is designed to grow the sport worldwide.
UEFA's Concerns
UEFA has expressed concerns about the increased number of matches and the impact on player welfare, as well as the distribution of revenue. However, Infantino dismissed these worries, stating that the new format will benefit all confederations.
Call for Unity
Infantino called on all football stakeholders to work together, saying that "football must be a force for unity, not division." He stressed that the 2026 World Cup will be the biggest and best ever, and that everyone should be excited about it.
