India’s national football team captain, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, sees the possible expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 64 teams in 2026 as a chance for India to enhance its chances of qualifying for the prestigious tournament. While FIFA President Gianni Infantino has supported exploring this expansion, there are concerns about the impact on player workload and the future of international football.
Gurpreet acknowledged that a larger World Cup format could benefit India but also recognized the increased demands it would place on players, especially those competing in Europe’s top leagues. He mentioned that while this expansion might be advantageous for India, it could be challenging for players already engaged in numerous matches.
Expressing his views, Gurpreet stated, “From India’s perspective, more teams in the World Cup would be beneficial for us. However, it could pose challenges for teams in Europe and other regions with players already facing a busy schedule.” He emphasized the importance of a strategic approach to managing player fatigue and league commitments in light of the potential expansion.
Gurpreet emphasized the need for India to focus on gradual progress rather than solely relying on a potential increase in World Cup slots. He stressed the importance of aiming to break into the top-tier teams in Asia before setting sights on larger global ambitions.
“As an Indian football enthusiast and player, my goal is to see us at the World Cup soon. Yet, our immediate aim should be to secure a position in Asia’s top 10 or 15 teams. It’s crucial to progress step by step and not rush towards our ultimate goal. Our priority should be to establish ourselves among the top 15 teams in Asia first,” Gurpreet remarked.
