The games that show the flaws in a 48-team World Cup

The current format of the FIFA World Cup, particularly the proposed 48-team expansion, presents a significant risk of contrived outcomes in its final group stage matches. Two specific scenarios have emerged from the qualifying rounds that highlight this flaw: in one instance, two teams could play out a draw, effectively guaranteeing qualification for both, thereby negating the competitive spirit of the sport. This situation arises because a draw would satisfy the points threshold required for advancement for both nations involved. The potential for such pre-determined results undermines the integrity of the tournament and the fairness of the competition. FIFA's consideration of a 48-team format, which would increase the number of matches and potentially exacerbate these issues, warrants careful review to prevent the dilution of competitive intensity and the possibility of matches lacking genuine sporting stakes. The current structure, while not immune to draws, faces increased scrutiny with the prospect of a larger tournament where such tactical, rather than performance-based, qualification becomes more probable.