Asia hoping for more Fifa World Cup slots in expanded format
China sees a chance to realise its dream, Japan says it ‘makes sense’, New Zealand calls it ‘fantastic news’ — but critics say it will dilute the quality of the World Cup
Kuala Lumpur — Asia’s football chief said the region "deserves more slots" at the World Cup, as Fifa’s decision to expand the tournament to 48 teams from 2026 was cheered in countries from China to New Zealand. Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), said Asia’s size and economic might merited more than its current allocation of four guaranteed spots, which is expected to rise to eight. Chinese state media said the move could help realise the country’s "dream" of returning to the World Cup, while New Zealand, which looks set to be a key beneficiary, called the move "fantastic news". Many critics have rounded on the decision, complaining it will dilute the quality of the World Cup and saying it was driven by hunger for profits and political gain, but Sheikh Salman said it would have a "positive impact on Asian football". "We believe that Asia, as the biggest continent, deserves more slots compared with the current quota, looking at t...
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