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Uli Hoeness strongly criticizes Infantino about World Cup expansion plans:
Teams 31 July 2026

Uli Hoeness strongly criticizes Infantino about World Cup expansion plans:

Uli Hoeness, honorary president of Bayern Munich, strongly criticizes FIFA president Gianni Infantino over his plans to expand the World Cup. Hoeness emphasizes the undeniable importance of the European countries for the tournament and warns that a World Cup without them loses value.

Uli Hoeness strongly criticizes Infantino about World Cup expansion plans:

According to Tuttomercatoweb.

Background

Uli Hoeness, honorary president of Bayern Munich, has spoken out against FIFA president Gianni Infantino's plans for an expansion of the World Cup. His comments come after an impressive victory for Bayern, which underlined the impact of European clubs on the world stage.

Why this matters

Uli Hoeness's criticism of Gianni Infantino highlights the crucial role of European countries in the Football World Cup. Hoeness states that the value of the tournament would decrease significantly without the presence of top teams such as Germany and the Netherlands. This debate could have important implications for the future of the World Cup, especially in view of the 2026 World Cup.

Key points

  • Uli Hoeness strongly criticizes Infantino about World Cup expansion plans:.
  • Uli Hoeness, honorary president of Bayern Munich, strongly criticizes FIFA president Gianni Infantino over his plans to expand the World Cup.
  • Hoeness attacca Infantino: "Se vuole un Mondiale con Fiji-Capo Verde, lo organizzi".

The debate surrounding the future of the Football World Cup is raging in international football associations. At the center of that discussion are the visions of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who wants to further expand the tournament to 48 participating countries in the coming years - which, according to critics, could be at the expense of the sporting level.

One of the sharpest voices to enter the discussion recently is Uli Hoeness, former chairman and now honorary president of Bayern Munich. Immediately after a practice match of the German top club, in which Bayern won 15-0, Hoeness gave his blunt opinion about the direction FIFA is taking under Infantino.

Hoeness states that the weight and quality of the European countries determine the status of the World Cup. 'I don't think Europeans realize how dominant they are. A World Cup without up-and-coming top countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain and England would lose enormous value,' says Hoeness. According to him, it is precisely the presence of the top European teams that gives the world championship shine and increases its appeal.

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Hoeness underlined that Europe must act together against FIFA plans that could harm their interests. “If Europe remains united, we can prevent the tournament from becoming watered down,” the German believes. With a striking sneer he added: 'If Infantino wants a World Cup with teams like Fiji against Cape Verde, then he should organize it himself.'

The proposed expansion of the World Cup to 48 countries from 2026 is causing division. Supporters emphasize the global opportunities for smaller countries, while critics – including Hoeness – fear a decline in the level and commercial importance if top countries were to drop out. In the Netherlands, the discussion is being followed with interest, especially now the Oranjeis optimistically preparing for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Not only sporting interests, but also the commercial value of the tournament are at stake. European associations, clubs and advocates are concerned about the saturation of the international calendar and the prestige of the tournament. Hoeness's statements fit into a broader wave of resistance to Infantino's plans, while FIFA wants to open the World Cup as a global spectacle to as many countries as possible.

What's happening now

Hoeness calls on European countries to unite against Infantino's plans, which could lead to greater cooperation within UEFA. If this unity holds, it could influence the direction of the World Cup and potentially put pressure on FIFA's expansion plans. The reactions of other European football associations will be crucial for the season outlook of international football.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the result of Bayern Munich's practice match?

Bayern Munich won the practice match 15-0.

What is the impact of Uli Hoeness' criticism on FIFA's plans?

Hoeness believes that the quality of European countries is essential to the value of the World Cup and that a tournament without these countries would lose value.

What are Gianni Infantino's plans for the World Cup?

Gianni Infantino wants to expand the world championship to 48 participating countries from 2026.

Which countries does Uli Hoeness mention as important for the World Cup?

Hoeness names Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain and England as important countries for the status of the World Cup.

What is Bayern Munich's next match?

Bayern Munich's next match is not mentioned in the article.

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