The FIFA World Cup kicks off this Thursday in Mexico City with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. Until July 10, 104 matches will be played in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Returning to North America for the first time since 1994, this edition may mark a turning point in the tournament's history. That, at least, is FIFA's ambition, which promises " the greatest World Cup of all time ».
A new format that needs to convince
The World Cup as we knew it is no more: FIFA has decided to expand it from 32 to 48 teams. The number of matches will logically explode: while 64 matches were scheduled for 2022, there will now be 104. As a result, teams will have to play in the round of 32, and the tournament will last five and a half weeks. Too much? Adding so many teams risks lowering the overall level of competition, and therefore offering lower-quality matches and a less impressive overall spectacle.
The first round could also lose some of its appeal, since in eight out of twelve groups, the third-placed team will automatically qualify for the second phase. The moment of truth has arrived. The verdict will be crucial for FIFA, as it will determine its bargaining power in negotiating the TV rights for the next edition. The prolonged uncertainty surrounding the tournament's broadcast in China and India, which together represent nearly 3 billion people, demonstrates that there is still work to be done to persuade them.
North America, a market full of promise
FIFA will derive a large part of its resources for the next four years from this World Cup. Gianni Infantino has repeatedly emphasized this in response to criticism of ticket prices: We have one event that generates revenue for the next four years: the World Cup. It lasts one month. For the remaining 47 months, we invest what was earned during that month in organizing women's and youth competitions, training, development programs, as well as in leagues and federations around the world. "FIFA's financial capacity will therefore be tested in the coming weeks."
In the longer term, this World Cup also represents a golden opportunity to conquer a new market. While football is considered the number one sport in the world, it is not yet so in the Americas. This World Cup must allow the rocket to take off. Globally, football represents an economic activity of approximately $3 billion per year. 70% of this activity is generated in Europe, while the United States accounts for only 3% of the total ecosystem. " Infantino pointed out in early May, during the 29th Global Conference of the Milken Institute.
« Since 1994, MLS has come a long way. Back then, there were only ten franchises; today, there are 30. The growth is impressive, but it's time to shift into high gear.the leader says. American investors need to believe in American soccer. They need to invest and, of course, bring in the best players. You've already done that with Lionel Messi, but you can't put all your eggs in one basket. You need to recruit the biggest names and develop your own talent. "The success of the World Cup will be fundamental to triggering a dynamic."
A real party?
Will the World Cup live up to its promise of a football extravaganza? Doubts have emerged in recent months. Donald Trump's policies have raised many concerns. ICE's anti-immigration operations have dampened the enthusiasm of many fans, and obtaining a visa has seriously complicated matters. Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan had obtained a visa, but he was turned back at the border by the authorities. He will therefore not be officiating at the World Cup. National teams have also encountered visa difficulties, either for players or staff members.
Scottish fans were showered. Just days before the start of the tournament, they learned that their visa application, initially approved, had ultimately been rejected. They are not the only ones to have given up on their World Cup dream because of this procedure. In addition to the administrative hurdles, there were also financial obstacles, as the price of tickets caused considerable resentment, and the United States demanded deposits of several thousand dollars to allow entry to citizens of certain countries, particularly in Africa. The abrupt screening of the Senegalese players by US customs officials, directly on the airport tarmac, further reinforced doubts about the festive and welcoming atmosphere of this edition, even though FIFA is striving to claim otherwise.
