FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom expressed confidence in the progress of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to begin on June 11. The upcoming tournament, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams for the first time, a significant increase from the previous 32-team format. Grafstrom, during a visit to China, highlighted the positive anticipation surrounding the event.
The expansion of the World Cup to include 48 teams is expected to provide more nations, especially from Asia, Africa, and North America, with the opportunity to participate in the prestigious tournament. While this move has sparked discussions on issues like fixture congestion and player workload, Grafstrom emphasized the potential long-term benefits for football development globally.
Grafstrom praised the potential impact of the tournament on football development, emphasizing its influence on grassroots football, professional standards, and fan engagement. He commended the efforts of China in establishing a comprehensive five-tier youth academy system, spanning national, regional, city, and county levels, to nurture young talent in the sport.
During his visit to China’s National Football Youth Training Centre, Grafstrom lauded the structure of China’s youth football setup, recognizing the importance of developing talent at various levels across the country. He also expressed optimism about China’s youth teams qualifying more frequently for FIFA tournaments, highlighting recent achievements and the country’s potential in youth football development.
