Arsène Wenger has strongly defended FIFA’s decision to expand the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams, describing it as “the right number” for the modern game. According to the former Arsenal manager, the increase is not excessive, as fewer than 25% of FIFA’s 211 member federations will qualify for the tournament even under the revised format. For Wenger, this means the competition remains highly selective and equally prestigious.
Wenger emphasized that global interest in football has grown significantly over the years, and limiting the tournament to 32 teams no longer reflects the sport’s expanding reach. He argued that nations across Africa, Asia, and North America deserve greater representation and opportunities on the world stage. The expansion, he noted, encourages development and raises competitive standards across all confederations.
Focus on Stadium Quality Through Extended Rest Period
Wenger revealed that FIFA has implemented a strict preparation plan to ensure host stadiums in the United States, Canada, and Mexico are ready for the unique demands of a larger tournament. All designated venues will undergo a two-month rest period before kickoff, preventing pitch deterioration and allowing groundskeepers to restore surfaces to optimal condition.
This rest window, according to Wenger, is essential because many stadiums used in the 2026 World Cup are shared with other major sports, including American football. The pause will allow turf systems to recover from heavy seasonal use. With state-of-the-art technology and coordinated maintenance, Wenger expects the tournament to deliver some of the best pitch conditions in World Cup history.
Scheduling and Hydration Breaks to Address North American Heat
Wenger acknowledged concerns about high temperatures in several host cities, particularly in southern regions of the United States. However, he assured that FIFA has developed a detailed scheduling system designed to avoid extreme conditions. Matches will be strategically placed in cooler time slots, reducing the risk of heat-related issues for players and fans.
In addition, Wenger confirmed that hydration breaks — first introduced officially at the 2014 World Cup — will play a key role in managing player welfare. These breaks will be used as needed, depending on conditions in each venue. With both scheduling and medical safeguards in place, Wenger expressed confidence that the expanded format will not compromise player safety.
France and England Tipped as Early Tournament Favorites
Wenger identified France as the team with the strongest chance of lifting the trophy in 2026, primarily due to their unrivaled squad depth. He highlighted the abundance of attacking talent available to Didier Deschamps, noting that France possess both experience and youth capable of dominating the world stage. Their performances in recent tournaments, he argued, underline their status as top contenders.
England also drew praise from Wenger, who believes Gareth Southgate’s side has matured into a genuine world-class force. With a balanced squad and a growing pool of Premier League talent, England are expected to arrive at the tournament with confidence and cohesion. Wenger suggested that both European powerhouses would set the standard for others to follow.
Potential Breakthroughs from Non-European Nations
Wenger also predicted that the 2026 World Cup — with its expanded field — could serve as a breakthrough platform for emerging football nations. He noted that teams from Africa, Asia, and CONCACAF have made significant strides in recent years, narrowing the athletic and tactical gap traditionally dominated by Europe and South America. This, he said, sets the stage for surprising runs deep into the tournament.
With more qualifying spots available, several nations will participate in the World Cup for the first time, introducing new styles and competitive energy. Wenger believes this increased diversity is essential for the sport’s global growth, and he expects the expanded tournament to showcase unexpected stories that capture worldwide attention. The World Cup, he concluded, is evolving — and the world of football must evolve with it.
