The impact of the 2026 World Cup on FIFA and world football

The impact of the 2026 World Cup on FIFA and world football

According to Mundodeportivo.

Context

Simon Chadwick, professor of Geopolitical Economics of Sport, highlights that US influence in football is consolidating, which could lead to a standardization of commercial practices in the sport. The adoption of an exploration model inspired by the United States could redefine the relationship between FIFA and national federations, changing the dynamics of world football.

Why this matters

The 2026 World Cup represents a paradigmatic change in the structure of football, with the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams. This transformation not only promises to increase competitiveness, but also redefines FIFA's economic model, which may prioritize profits over traditional sports values. Simon Chadwick warns that this new approach could have lasting implications for global football governance.

Main conclusions

• The impact of the 2026 World Cup on FIFA and world football.
• Football will no longer be the same after the 2026 World Cup, according to Simon Chadwick, who points out fundamental changes in FIFA's structure and the model for exploring the sport.
• "The USA-style exploitation model has fallen into FIFA's DNA."

The 2026 World Cup promises to be a historic milestone for world football, and according to Simon Chadwick, professor of Geopolitical Economics of Sport at Skema Business School, the competition will be remembered as a turning point. Chadwick says the upcoming World Cup will not only bring a new format with more teams, but will also consolidate a US-inspired exploration model that is already deeply rooted in FIFA. With the tournament expanding to include 48 teams, the event represents a significant change from previous editions, which featured just 32 teams. This expansion not only increases the number of games, but also the possibility of revenue, attracting even more investment in marketing and media. Chadwick believes that the exploration model that will be adopted from this World Cup could impact the way football is administered globally. The professor highlights that FIFA, by implementing this new model, is adapting to a reality in which money and entertainment become priorities. The US influence on football is undeniable, with its professional leagues setting standards that can now be replicated internationally. This raises questions about the sustainability and integrity of sport, as a focus on profits can overshadow traditional values ​​such as fair competition and sportsmanship. Furthermore, Chadwick mentions that this new exploitation model could affect not only FIFA, but also national leagues around the world. Football clubs and federations will have to adapt to this new economic reality, which prioritizes maximizing revenue through television contracts, sponsorships and licensed products. This change could create an even greater gap between rich and poorer clubs, increasing inequality within the sport.Therefore, the 2026 World Cup will not just be a celebration of football, but an event that could redefine the future of the sport. With an exploration model that takes inspiration from the American style, FIFA is positioning itself for an era in which profit can prevail over the essence of the game. The consequences of this are yet to come, but one thing is certain: football will never be the same after this World Cup.

What happens next

With the implementation of this new model, FIFA is expected to seek more aggressive partnerships with sponsors and media, increasing the revenue generated by the event. The expectation is that the 2026 World Cup will not only attract more spectators, but also influence how leagues and competitions around the world are structured financially. The impact of this change could be felt in future editions of international tournaments and in the way football is consumed globally.