La Liga president Javier Tebas has launched a sharp critique of FIFA and its chief Gianni Infantino, accusing the governing body of plotting to dilute the World Cup by swelling the tournament to 64 participating nations.
Speaking at a recent conference, Tebas argued that the current 48‑team format for the 2026 edition is already stretched, and any move to 64 would strain the competition's quality and commercial balance.
He pointed to the recent championship where Spain edged Argentina 1‑0 in a tightly contested final, emphasizing that the tournament's prestige rests on elite national teams rather than a broader field.
Tebas warned that expanding the World Cup would 'destroy' the sport's integrity, suggesting that resources should be directed toward strengthening domestic leagues and continental championships.
Implications for the future of global soccer
The Spaniard also questioned Infantino's decade‑long tenure, noting that the FIFA president is poised for a fourth term despite mounting dissent among stakeholders.
While acknowledging that dissatisfaction with Infantino is widespread, Tebas said concrete action to challenge his leadership remains scarce, leaving the sport at a crossroads between tradition and expansion.