Maradona 2016 World Cup Expansion Support Resurfaces Ahead of 2026 Tournament

An eight-year-old endorsement by the late Diego Maradona regarding the expansion of the FIFA World Cup has resurfaced as preparations accelerate for the 2026 tournament. The Argentine legend, who passed away in 2020, originally voiced his support for a 48-team format during a 2016 interview, a structure that FIFA has since codified for the upcoming event in North America. Maradona Backed Expansion in 2016 In 2016, shortly after Gianni Infantino assumed the FIFA presidency, Maradona advocated for increasing the number of participating nations from 32 to 48. He argued that the expansion would provide opportunities for countries that had historically never qualified for the finals, stating that it would offer "hope" to a broader range of footballing nations. His comments, made during a charity match event, align with the final format approved by the FIFA Council. The 2026 Tournament Structure The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first to implement this expanded model. The tournament will feature 104 matches, an increase from the 64 games played during the 2022 edition in Qatar. The 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four, with…