Mattias Grafstrom expects expanded FIFA World Cup to boost global football development
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom said preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are progressing smoothly, while expressing confidence that the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams will be a major success.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the tournament scheduled to begin on June 11.
It will mark the first World Cup in history to feature 48 teams instead of the traditional 32-team format.
FIFA optimistic about expanded format
Speaking during a visit to China, Grafstrom said FIFA is excited about the expanded tournament and the opportunities it will create for more nations to participate on football’s biggest stage.
“The preparations are going very well. We’re very excited,” Grafstrom said.
“The first World Cup with 48 teams, I think it will be a great success. Sixteen more teams will have the opportunity to enjoy the World Cup experience,” he added.
The expanded format is expected to increase representation from regions including Asia, Africa, and North America, although it has also sparked debate regarding player workload, scheduling congestion, and tournament balance.
Greater participation could transform football development
Grafstrom emphasized that wider participation in the World Cup could have long-term benefits for football development around the world.
“The impact of the World Cup on a country, on its grassroots football, professional level, and fan base is truly difficult to quantify,” he said.
“We’re very much looking forward to seeing this tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. It’s going to be very exciting.”
He added that the tournament is expected to generate significant global enthusiasm and further strengthen football’s popularity internationally.
FIFA praises China’s youth football structure
During his visit to China’s National Football Youth Training Center, Grafstrom also praised the country’s football development system and youth academy structure.
He highlighted China’s five-tier football development model, which operates at national, regional, city, and county levels.
“China is such a big country. You have the national center, but you need to work in the regions as well, and also in the cities and the counties,” he said.
Grafstrom congratulated the Chinese Football Association and the Chinese government for establishing the development framework.
Hope for stronger Chinese presence in FIFA tournaments
The FIFA secretary general also expressed hope that China’s youth teams would qualify more consistently for FIFA competitions.
He noted that China had recently qualified for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and mentioned an important upcoming match involving the men’s under-17 team.
Grafstrom highlighted FIFA’s decision to hold both boys’ and girls’ U-17 World Cups annually, describing it as an important motivational platform for young footballers worldwide.
“So we hope to see China there, both the boys and the girls,” he said.
FIFA to continue investment in football development
Grafstrom reaffirmed FIFA’s commitment to supporting football development in China through continued cooperation and investment initiatives with the Chinese Football Association.
“We will be working closely and also investing in the development of the game here together with the CFA,” he said.
“And we are very excited about it. This is the main reason for our visit.”