FIFA World Cup 2026 opinion poll + discusion about new format & rules

[DrBeer]

I may be wrong, please correct me, but I can’t recall a World Cup this disgraceful, or such appalling behavior on FIFA’s part... They turned the World Cup into some kind of spectacle... I wonder if there will be legal proceedings and investigations into "external influence on decision-making" after the tournament? I think that would be telling.

Seriously, this year's world cup has definitely felt different from the previous ones. I have no problem with the expansion but is it also necessary to inflate the ticket price? That's by the way.

From everything going on, investigation is very necessary. FIFA usually get investigated after every World Cup ranging from ethics probe, financial audits and complaints about officiating issues. But sadly, FIFA usually find their way out clean.

Egypt football Association already filed an official complaint with FIFA demanding an investigation into the refereeing team. I expect them to take further steps if FIFA reject their complaint.

As I’ve already mentioned in another thread, the key problem is that all these investigations essentially never lead to anything. Referees aren’t fired, referees aren’t fined, FIFA doesn’t impose disciplinary sanctions… In other words, any issue is discussed for show, but there are no consequences for the offenders. For some reason, players can,and indeed are,punished, including suspension from games, but referees… well, they might be temporarily reassigned to a different level, and they’ll remain "clean".

[Wakate]

Apparently the Egyptian Football Association is not happy about how the game between their national tam and Argentina went. They have filed an official complaint about some of the decisions made during the game by the team of referees.
The main issues they have are related to the improper use of the VAR system.
They complained about VAR being used to disallow the goal scored by Mostafa Zico, while later the system hasn't been used when Egypt appealed for a penalty after Hamdy Fathy went down.

More on the story:
https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/7/8/egypt-criticises-influential-refereeing-in-argentina-world-cup-match
or:
https://www.itv.com/news/2026-07-08/egyptian-fa-lodges-complaint-with-fifa-after-blatant-errors-in-argentina-game

It was true that Egypt was cheated and there was so many fouls that the referee did not count and give a judge when it comes to Argentina being the crime master. Everyone saw the hatred towards Egypt and it was unfair.

It's quite unfortunate that FIFA is not doing anything about it. They are not going to make any judgement concerning the match because FIFA wants Argentina to reach the final stage of the tournament which is unethical and a sign of propaganda.

[Sarah Azhari]

I may be wrong, please correct me, but I can’t recall a World Cup this disgraceful, or such appalling behavior on FIFA’s part... They turned the World Cup into some kind of spectacle... I wonder if there will be legal proceedings and investigations into "external influence on decision-making" after the tournament? I think that would be telling.

This World Cup has been absolutely terrible. There have been reports circulating that Gianni Infantino may face legal action or an investigation because he is suspected of violating the principle of political neutrality, abusing his authority, and allowing external parties to interfere in decision-making. This is the first time I’ve seen a FIFA president bow to interference from outside parties. The most sensational case, of course, was the rescinding of a red card issued to a U.S. player after a phone call from Donald Trump.

[Promocodeudo]

There have been countless incidents and drama in this world cup that have made me so certain that this world cup is really something else, there have been so many crazy things on and off the pitch  that have made the whole competition so disgusting to follow, the most annoying part is that the so called FIFA president himself has no clue whatsoever about the sport of football as this was one of the statement that some fans are holding on to sighting that he does things out of the blue as a politician will do and not like someone who has the love for the sport or even experience as the case may be.

The decision of some of the accused referees has spikes up debates, some persons has been saying they acted on FIFA instructions, while others think that it is a usual referee decision and for that, it is the position of the referee's and no one should take to herst, the complain in this year world cup is too much, there has been many complaints of cheating, this misfeeling is not just for few persons but the majority of viewers which to me calls for concerns, i was thinking that this year FIFA world Cup will be an outstanding and well organized competition that'll be devoid of these dramas but unfortunately this year world will not be forgotten so soon, the present FIFA leadership has failed, we didn't see this in the time of Sepp Blatter, it's a shame.

[$crypto$]

I may be wrong, please correct me, but I can’t recall a World Cup this disgraceful, or such appalling behavior on FIFA’s part... They turned the World Cup into some kind of spectacle... I wonder if there will be legal proceedings and investigations into "external influence on decision-making" after the tournament? I think that would be telling.

This World Cup has been absolutely terrible. There have been reports circulating that Gianni Infantino may face legal action or an investigation because he is suspected of violating the principle of political neutrality, abusing his authority, and allowing external parties to interfere in decision-making. This is the first time I’ve seen a FIFA president bow to interference from outside parties. The most sensational case, of course, was the rescinding of a red card issued to a U.S. player after a phone call from Donald Trump.

FIFA's behavior towards this incident is quite ridiculous, this indeed boils down to Balogun's red card which was canceled by FIFA triggering a strong reaction from various circles, FiFA is only subject to Donald Trump.

England also appealed Quansah's red card which was banned twice, but the appeal was rejected by FIFA because it felt it was right and the punishment was appropriate for Quansah, but not with Balogun.

It seems to me useless about the current legal investigation they are still immune, because under the auspices of the US.

[SensitiveEyes]

Players waste time on throw ins, goal kicks and free kicks. Delays frustrate fans and players. Refs should be heavy on players which cause delays. In this FWC the new rule for throw ins is good. Throw ins are forfeited to the other team when players cause delays. Forfeiting is a good rule which must be extended to free kicks and goal kicks.

The rules are working in the world cup but I think every league needs to implement it so that footballers will stop using such delay tricks to win matches which should have been draws. The world cup this year is very different I like the way the referees are handling everything relating to the new rules and players knows what it means if corners are given due to their delays so they try to make everything faster not like before when they waste more than 5 minutes on throwing and corners.

The players continue to waste time in this world cup. Ref must do more to stop players wasting time. Players are wasting time taking corners. Some players are falling to the ground to buy fouls and waste time. Refs must take action on players who waste time like they punish players who waste time throws to improve the FWC.

[pawel7777]

(...)
This World Cup has been absolutely terrible. There have been reports circulating that Gianni Infantino may face legal action or an investigation because he is suspected of violating the principle of political neutrality, abusing his authority, and allowing external parties to interfere in decision-making. This is the first time I’ve seen a FIFA president bow to interference from outside parties. The most sensational case, of course, was the rescinding of a red card issued to a U.S. player after a phone call from Donald Trump.

Was there any other case apart from the overturning of that red card?
I think the red card thing is itself enough to warrant some punishment for Infantino, but I'm not sure if FIFA even has any procedures in place for such situations.
But you know things are not good when even UEFA expressed their concerns. UEFA technically operates under FIFA but is practically autonomous.
If I had to name a single point I dislike in the new format, it's the increase in the number of participating teams and, therefore, the number of group stage matches. Playing a total of 72 games in the group stage just to eliminate 16 (so a third) of teams makes little sense, unless it's aimed at increasing views/revenue.

[LUCKMCFLY]

FIFA's behavior towards this incident is quite ridiculous, this indeed boils down to Balogun's red card which was canceled by FIFA triggering a strong reaction from various circles, FiFA is only subject to Donald Trump.

Football should never be influenced by the political system because that's the worst thing it can do. A red card should be applied according to the corresponding suspension guidelines; it shouldn't be used for other purposes. Things should be done as they were meant to be; there shouldn't be any favoritism of any kind. I don't like it for either side, and I wouldn't even accept it for a team I like. Such advantages are in very bad taste.

[dezoel]

Was there any other case apart from the overturning of that red card?
I think the red card thing is itself enough to warrant some punishment for Infantino, but I'm not sure if FIFA even has any procedures in place for such situations.
But you know things are not good when even UEFA expressed their concerns. UEFA technically operates under FIFA but is practically autonomous.
If I had to name a single point I dislike in the new format, it's the increase in the number of participating teams and, therefore, the number of group stage matches. Playing a total of 72 games in the group stage just to eliminate 16 (so a third) of teams makes little sense, unless it's aimed at increasing views/revenue.

Here I completely agree with you because I also personally dislike this system. What the hell are they doing to eliminate just 16 teams from the event? They needed to make some changes that decrease the number of games in the future because this system has flaws. 48 teams totally participated, and 32 are going into the next round from here.

If they want to have better results, they need to be done. Just 16 teams will enter the knockout; this can bring better results, or they have to do something better, which increases fans interest and also gives teams some relief from having enough games to be played under this time.

[d5000]

If I had to name a single point I dislike in the new format, it's the increase in the number of participating teams and, therefore, the number of group stage matches. Playing a total of 72 games in the group stage just to eliminate 16 (so a third) of teams makes little sense, unless it's aimed at increasing views/revenue.

That's what I think as well. In reality I think I liked the system where the group stage eliminates half of the teams. It made the group stage more exciting.

But it's sort of a dilemma. There was for example also an idea to have three-team groups, so you would have less games for the same purpose (elimate 33%). But then many teams would have only two guaranteed games. Perhaps then the lower ranked teams would put in less effort in their participation. Even worse if it was a knockout format from the start on.

There was another idea I read somewhere to indeed pursue one of these ideas (3-team groups or round of 64), but then add a second prize you could win in a sort of "loser's round", like in other sports, so the teams would not have to travel for 1 or 2 games.

[SensitiveEyes]

If FWC has 48 teams you do not expect 32 getting through the groups. Teams which finish bottom of the groups get shown the door. Only 4 from the 12 teams which finished 3rd go home so the 8 which survive should not be there. The top 2 teams from the groups deserve to continue. FIFA made a mess and a joke by expanding the world cup to 48 teams.

[JeffBrad12]

There have been numerous controversies in this world cup. So i think it's all due to the political reason and more teams participate in the world cup. However, as Infantino says it's possible to increase the current 48 spots to the 64 spots in the future.
I think the more nations to participate is good because world cup should be dedicated for world wide. However, i feel we are likely seeing another regress to the quality of competition.

We may see another new format to come.

[Sarah Azhari]

I may be wrong, please correct me, but I can’t recall a World Cup this disgraceful, or such appalling behavior on FIFA’s part... They turned the World Cup into some kind of spectacle... I wonder if there will be legal proceedings and investigations into "external influence on decision-making" after the tournament? I think that would be telling.

This World Cup has been absolutely terrible. There have been reports circulating that Gianni Infantino may face legal action or an investigation because he is suspected of violating the principle of political neutrality, abusing his authority, and allowing external parties to interfere in decision-making. This is the first time I’ve seen a FIFA president bow to interference from outside parties. The most sensational case, of course, was the rescinding of a red card issued to a U.S. player after a phone call from Donald Trump.

FIFA's behavior towards this incident is quite ridiculous, this indeed boils down to Balogun's red card which was canceled by FIFA triggering a strong reaction from various circles, FiFA is only subject to Donald Trump.

England also appealed Quansah's red card which was banned twice, but the appeal was rejected by FIFA because it felt it was right and the punishment was appropriate for Quansah, but not with Balogun.

It seems to me useless about the current legal investigation they are still immune, because under the auspices of the US.

That is why FIFA has faced so much criticism this time, especially Infantino. Infantino’s actions have tarnished FIFA’s reputation as an organization. The reversal of the red card issued to the U.S. player was also Infantino’s decision; although some other FIFA members opposed it, because Infantino is the head of FIFA, he acted beyond his authority. I am certain that after the World Cup ends, there will be a legal investigation into Infantino. Although Infantino is close to Donald Trump, if the FIFA Congress members take action, Infantino could be removed as FIFA president.

[Oshio-man]

I liked the possibility of more teams participating; I'm watching practically all the games and having a lot of fun. I saw someone mention the water breaks, I don't see any problem with that, basketball also has breaks that can be requested, I don't think that negatively interferes with the matches or the cup in general.

I think that is a good suggestion and it will make the numbers of teams to increase in the FIFA world cup competition, there is no way FIFA world cup managements will be adding more teams in the competition they will not going to add more referees in the competition because it will reduce the load of the referees in the FIFA world cup competition, I think we saw some teams that provoke that some referees where not fair to them than to walk against them in the lock out stage, and it will be difficult for such thing to happen in the future if the FIFA world cup managements can add more teams and more referees to the competition next season.

[Hispo]

There have been numerous controversies in this world cup. So i think it's all due to the political reason and more teams participate in the world cup. However, as Infantino says it's possible to increase the current 48 spots to the 64 spots in the future.
I think the more nations to participate is good because world cup should be dedicated for world wide. However, i feel we are likely seeing another regress to the quality of competition.

We may see another new format to come.

I personally think 64 teams is too many. It would be a new format which I would be personally be not very comfortable with, even if more teams are granted the chance to prove themselves and get the cup.
I get the World Cup is supposed to be a competition in which there is a worldwide participation, but that is why there are some previous matches (outside of the world cup) in order to determine which nations are supposed to participate or not.

Not even mention that number of participants could prompt the FIFA to keep the format of multiple hosts, as they did with this world cup, which is something I personally did not like.

[SensitiveEyes]

64 teams in the FWC is too many. FIFA should make the world cup short and exciting. The best country teams should take part in the FWC. 64 teams will make the world cup complicated and boring because the country must be good enough to play. 48 teams did not make the world cup better so why think about 64. FIFA want to change the world cup without asking fans. Fans want to see exciting games so 64 teams will not work.

[LUCKMCFLY]

It really feels like the match has taken a back seat to all the controversies. Fans just want a tournaments that's remembered for the action on the pitch not the drama surrounded it's definitely been one of the most controversial competition in recent memory , while some of the criticism is justified . I just hoping the focus shift back to the football because that's what's most fans cherish.

The controls are the daily bread of the World Cup, I hope that in these semis that ends, because the favorite will lose all control, what they did to Switzerland by sending off a player for an alleged simulation was something too far-fetched, something that doesn't even have a name, they had to send off a player so that the Argentinians could play better, I don't like that, in fact I would be ashamed of the Argentinian players playing like that.

[hyudien]

64 teams in the FWC is too many. FIFA should make the world cup short and exciting. The best country teams should take part in the FWC. 64 teams will make the world cup complicated and boring because the country must be good enough to play. 48 teams did not make the world cup better so why think about 64. FIFA want to change the world cup without asking fans. Fans want to see exciting games so 64 teams will not work.

The 64-team format for the new World Cup is just a plan, FIFA hasn't announced it yet. But from a profit perspective, it wouldn't be surprising if it were implemented in the next World Cup, as that's what FIFA is looking for.
But it's true that it would reduce the excitement, create more boring matches, and frankly, I prefer the old format.

[nelson4lov]

64 teams in the FWC is too many. FIFA should make the world cup short and exciting. The best country teams should take part in the FWC. 64 teams will make the world cup complicated and boring because the country must be good enough to play. 48 teams did not make the world cup better so why think about 64. FIFA want to change the world cup without asking fans. Fans want to see exciting games so 64 teams will not work.

I think it's clear that FIFA is optimizing the world cup for profit. They know it's a one-time tournament every 4 years and that's why they want to milk it as much as possible. 64 teams would mean more matches, more fans, and most importantly, more profits for fifa. Imo, it's the exact reason why they ran the current world cup in 3 countries with and expanded 48 team world cup teams at record high ticket prices.

So rewarding they want to go bigger lol

[DrBeer]

I may be wrong, please correct me, but I can’t recall a World Cup this disgraceful, or such appalling behavior on FIFA’s part... They turned the World Cup into some kind of spectacle... I wonder if there will be legal proceedings and investigations into "external influence on decision-making" after the tournament? I think that would be telling.

This World Cup has been absolutely terrible. There have been reports circulating that Gianni Infantino may face legal action or an investigation because he is suspected of violating the principle of political neutrality, abusing his authority, and allowing external parties to interfere in decision-making. This is the first time I’ve seen a FIFA president bow to interference from outside parties. The most sensational case, of course, was the rescinding of a red card issued to a U.S. player after a phone call from Donald Trump.

If that happens, I’ll support it! If a full-scale investigation is conducted, I’m almost certain we’ll be in for some sensational news. BUT… we’ll also see very powerful attempts to "shut down" this investigation, since some very well-known names and huge sums of money might come to light... And what’s important is that there have been countless similar cases in the past that were ignored. Corruption is a cancer in our world, and we must fight it with the utmost severity!