FIFA announced a record forecast of US$ 11 billion (R$ 58 billion) in revenues in its next four-year cycle, in which it will take 48 teams to the 2026 World Cup, announced its president, Gianni Infantino, specifying that the format of the tournament has not yet been decided.
The FIFA council met this Friday (16th) in Doha, two days before Argentina and France dispute the final of the World Cup in Qatar.
In the current cycle (2019-2022) revenue was US$ 7.5 billion (R$ 39.6 billion), in the World Cup, which brought together 32 teams.
In one of Infantino’s most important reforms, the Cup will have 48 countries in 2026, when the tournament will be organized by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
They will increase the number of games (currently there are 64) and the income from television rights in the competition that allows FIFA to obtain most of its income.
In the current cycle, the figure of US$ 7.5 billion was announced on November 20, surpassing the initial estimate of US$ 1 billion (R$ 5.3 billion), “something very remarkable”, according to Infantino, in a period marked by the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are convinced that the impact of the 2026 World Cup will be enormous, as it has been here in Qatar, with three great countries, 48 ​​teams and more games,” declared the head of FIFA in an interview with journalists.
“The revenue will increase in terms of broadcasting, sponsorship and entertainment for fans. We will play in huge stadiums, normally dedicated to American football, with a capacity of between 80,000 and 90,000 spectators”, said Infantino, estimating at 5.5 billion the number of spectators at the tournament.
The Italian-Swiss leader promised to discuss the format of the competition, initially planned with 16 groups of three teams each, which could lead to the risk of “agreements” in the third game of the first phase.
If the option of 12 groups is chosen, with two ranked by key and the eight best third parties, the number of matches would increase.
“In Qatar, the groups of four were absolutely incredible, right down to the last minute of every match. We have to reconsider that, at least discuss the format again, whether it’s 16 groups of three or 12 groups of four. It will be on the agenda for the next few weeks. “, said Infantino.
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