Jurgen Klopp Slams FIFA World Cup Expansion Plans: 'It's Not A Great Idea'

Last Updated:April 29, 2026, 11:58 IST

Klopp lambasted FIFA's move to expand the World Cup from 32 teams to 48, as he believes that player recovery and physical health is being compromised as a result.

Even away from the Anfield touchline, Jurgen Klopp hasn’t softened his stance on football’s packed calendar, especially when it comes to FIFA.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the former Liverpool boss once again criticised the expansion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that longer schedules could come at the cost of player health.

More Teams, More Matches, More Strain

The 2026 edition will feature 48 teams, up from 32, and span 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

The revamped structure includes 12 groups of four, with the top two and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to a round of 32. That means finalists could now play up to eight matches instead of seven.

A small change on paper, but one Klopp believes adds up physically.

Klopp’s Core Concern

“In general, it’s not a great idea. I have never changed my opinion about that. We have to take care of the players," he said.

For Klopp, the issue isn’t just about numbers. It’s about recovery.

“I know how important recovery is for players. So, we have to give them time for recovery. This is the one asset we cannot change."

He summed it up in simple terms.

“The game is as good as the players are, and the players are as good as they can be — as their physical status lets them be."

Bigger Plans Already on the Table

If 48 teams already feel like a stretch, there’s talk of going even further.

A proposal backed by CONMEBOL suggests expanding the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams as part of the tournament’s centenary celebrations.

So far, FIFA hasn’t outlined how or when it might evaluate that idea.

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