Keeping the Dream of Indonesian Children Reaching the World Cup Alive Through the Story of Uzbekistan

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marks a significant evolution in the tournament's history. This edition introduces a major expansion, increasing the number of participating teams from 32 to 48. This move aims to broaden the global reach of the world's most prestigious football competition.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino articulated the rationale behind this expansion during a forum in Davos in January 2026. He emphasized that football is a universal sport and should be accessible to all. "We have 211 countries that are members of FIFA. We want to give them a moment of joy and happiness. When a child kicks a ball, they don't think about the problems in their lives," Infantino stated, highlighting the tournament's potential to inspire and unite.

The expanded format naturally creates opportunities for debutant nations across various confederations. Asia, in particular, sees new contenders emerge, with Uzbekistan drawing considerable attention. Their strong performance throughout the qualification stages demonstrated their readiness to compete on the world stage, marking a significant achievement for the nation.

This expansion reflects FIFA's commitment to inclusivity, allowing more countries the chance to experience the World Cup. The tournament's opening ceremony in Mexico City featured performances by artists like Andrea Bocelli and South Korean singers, setting a grand stage for the expanded event.

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We have 211 countries that are members of FIFA. We want to give them a moment of joy and happiness. When a child kicks a ball, they don't think about the problems in their lives