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Klopp Condemns Push to Expand Men’s World Cup to 64 Teams

His comments add pressure during FIFA’s consideration of CONMEBOL’s 64‑team 2030 proposal.

Overview

  • Jürgen Klopp dismissed the 64‑team idea as a non‑starter, saying reacting to it feels as futile as “telling my microwave.”
  • He warned of escalating player workloads and urged a pact guaranteeing eight weeks’ vacation a year in exchange for lower pay.
  • Klopp also blasted the new 32‑team Club World Cup in the United States, arguing the format prioritizes revenue over player welfare.
  • FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently discussed the 64‑team concept with political and federation leaders after a CONMEBOL push, and no decision has been made.
  • The 2026 World Cup remains set for 48 teams in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and 2030 plans call for single matches in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay with the rest in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.