WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 04: Arsene Wenger, FIFA Chief of Global Football Development speaks during a panel discussion at The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts on December 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Arsene Wenger insists that Fifa has found the “right number” by expanding the World Cup to 48 teams for the first time in 2026.

The former Arsenal manager, now Fifa’s chief of global football development, has long been among the most vocal supporters for the expansion.

Critics argue that the move makes the tournament too long, amid heightened concerns about player welfare , and dilutes the quality.

“We started with 13 teams, after, 16, until in ’82 was the first time with 24 teams. ’98 was the first time with 32 teams. So, the evolution is tha

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