Football stakeholders have reacted in different ways to FIFA’s thought of implementing a 64-team format for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
While certain fans think that it dilutes the prestige of the tournament, the former captain of India, Bhaichung Bhutia, stands with the thought that expansion will open new doors for lower-ranked footballing countries like India to shine on the greatest footballing stage.
Speaking exclusively to PTI, Bhutia said a larger World Cup would naturally improve India's qualification chances, but stressed that expansion alone would not solve the country's long-standing footballing issues.
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"From the perspective of an Indian football fan, I think it's a welcome move to have more teams. I'm not saying India will qualify, but India will have a better chance to qualify if they increase to 64 from 48," Bhutia said.
However, the Indian football legend was quick to point out that a bigger tournament should not become an excuse for slowing down development.
"But that doesn't mean that the country need not do any work. We have to still get our system, structure, grassroots development right and produce more players, bring more kids to football," he added.
Bhutia thinks that the journey for India to achieve success in the senior FIFA World Cup should first start with building a solid base of youth success. Referring to countries like Uzbekistan and Morocco, he pointed out their successful football infrastructure built upon regular participation in FIFA competitions.
"India needs to focus on qualifying for the U-17 and U-20 World Cups, then the senior team, then only we have a chance, like what Uzbekistan and Morocco are doing. They are qualifying for the U-17 and U-20 World Cups regularly despite being small nations," he explained.
Indian Women Have a Better Chance Of Qualification
The former striker also highlighted that India's women's national team currently has a better opportunity to qualify for a FIFA World Cup than the men's side. However, he insisted that sustained investment is needed to turn that possibility into reality.
"I think the Indian women's team has a much better chance than the men's side to qualify for the World Cup. But we need to put in more interest in women's football. The top-tier IWL has to have more teams, we need different leagues for different age groups, set up a lot of grassroots football programs," Bhutia said.
He further stressed the importance of creating a professional environment for female footballers so that more families view the sport as a viable career option.
"We need to give women more opportunities and value. Otherwise, why would a girl child want to play football and make a career out of it? We have to help her to be completely professional when playing football. Only then can the parents see a great future for their children, which is definitely going to help the sport," he concluded.