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FIFA: 48-team format could see US$ 640m jump
MUMBAI: In a bid to add more excitement to the FIFA World Cup, the association president Gianni Infantino has hinted that a competition involving 48 teams could be the next step ahead. The Swiss-Italian also said FIFA’s in-house research team accepted that the current 32-nation format produces the highest quality of football.
In a 64-page analysis, the former UEFA secretary-general hinted at five viable options for 2026 Football World Cup, the first being the timing of effecting the changes. In the document, FIFA has concluded that the 48-team (16*3) format would appear to have the most tangible and intangible value.
The format would see extra knock-out games in a new Round of 32, which would ensure at least 80 matches are played over 32 days. This growth in the time-span appeals to broadcasters and sponsors and would help raise income, FIFA suggested. In another strategic plann, FIFA wants to schedule kick-offs in accordance to the playing countries prime-time rather than the host nation, garnering more viewership.
Taking the projected US$5.5 billion income from the 2018 Russia World Cup in comparison, the revenue could see a growth of a massive 20 per cent to US$ 6.5 billion. Organising more matches would also see a rise in the costs from US$2 to US$ 2.3 billion, but the potential profit stills stands at US$ 640 million.
The football governing body council meeting has been planned on 10 January. It has cautioned that the changes should not be financial and should focus more on the growth of the game and enhancing its reach and integrity.
Debates have already started on how these new 16 slots would be shared among the six continental confederations. FIFA also acknowledged that the quality of the game could drop by adding 16 more members to the World Cup. The 2018 Russia and 2022 Qatar World Cups are to witness a competition with 32 teams.
Infantino had promised a UEFA quota of 14 during his election campaign, and this new format is on similar lines. Infantino clearly pointed “16*3” as the most popular option in the times to come and said that the majority was in the same line of thought. The idea also supports a minimum of two matches per team- helping FIFA get wider viewership and reach.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
