Regarding the next World Cup to be held in North America in 2026, some foreign media sources said that the number of teams may be increased to 48. This move is to allow China to participate and create greater economic value.

The second from the right is Chinese President Xi Jinping.

(Associated Press)

[Instant News/Comprehensive Report] The World Cup in Qatar ended successfully a few days ago. Regarding the next World Cup to be held in North America in 2026, some foreign media sources said that the number of teams may be increased to 48. This move is for Let China also participate in the competition and create greater economic value.

The Japanese media "FRIDAY" released a report yesterday, with the headline bluntly saying "The 2026 World Cup held in North America, the protagonist (main player) will be "China!?" The content of the report indicates that the 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and A further 16 teams could be added, allowing 48 countries to compete, and it is rumored to be for China, which has not participated in the World Cup since 2002.

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The report pointed out that in this World Cup in Qatar, Chinese companies invested nearly US$1.4 billion (approximately NT$42.7 billion), about twice that of the previous one, and also more than the US$1.1 billion invested by American companies (approximately NT$42.7 billion). Taiwan dollars 35.1 billion), becoming the largest sponsor of this World Football.

This also makes the outside world speculate on the relationship between China and FIFA.

The report mentioned that although Chinese football is not strong enough, the previous leaders liked football very much. Not only Xi Jinping, but also Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao have publicly expressed their love for this sport. The report also attached a picture of Xi Jinping playing football screen.

In order to further increase people's enthusiasm for football, China's official media "CCTV" even broadcast the game for free in China, even though the Chinese team did not participate.

These circumstances show the degree to which the government attaches great importance to it.

However, there are also objections to the possibility of increasing the team. For example, traditional football powers such as Europe or South America believe that this move may lower the level of competition. After all, China has not been able to enter the World Cup since 2002.

The only way to quell such doubts is that China must first show its football skills worthy of the World Cup.

In fact, FIFA announced in 2017 that it will increase from 32 teams to 48 teams in 2026, so that more countries can qualify and participate in the World Cup.

However, for this statement, the final plan still has to wait for FIFA to make a final decision in 2023.