In another mesmerising speech in which it was claimed despite mountains of evidence to suggest otherwise that football is “defending all human rights”, Gianni Infantino has set the foundations for more division within the sport by laying out his vision for the game’s calendar.
Inevitably in an era where players and coaches warn they face breaking point because of such a packed schedule, the FIFA president’s solution is simple: let’s create more competitions and expand others.
While the expansion of the Club World Cup to 32 teams from 2025 has long been signposted - and still faces backlash from European clubs - there was more intrigue around Infantino’s trailing of an international “world series” from March 2026.
On a base level this feels like a response to the failed plans for a biennial World Cup, the brainchild of Arsene Wenger which fell apart because of pressure from national associations in Europe and South America.
The biennial proposal also led to such a strained relationship that UEFA and CONMEBOL have strengthened their own ties through a renewed memorandum of understanding and last summer’s Finalissima at Wembley, where European champions Italy faced Copa America winners Argentina.
But the world series is now set to be manoeuvred into the calendar. Details are scarce because they are yet to be finalised. But here is what we do know and what could happen.
How would it work?
Infantino made it clear that the concept is still being developed. In other words nothing has been confirmed and, chances are, the continental federations are not entirely on board.
But from the vague details provided it would be a series of friendlies between four teams from four different federations in the March of years ending with an even number.
Where would it be played?
Presumably in one host city to cut down on travel with a new destination announced every two years.
How will the four teams be selected?
Again, that is unclear but, along the lines of the non-FIFA organised Finalissima, it would likely be the champions of Africa, Asia, Europe and South America rather than random invitations.
And the structure?
The most logical would be to have two semi-finals with the winners playing a final and losers facing off for bronze. But FIFA has shown through the now to be ditched plan to have three-team groups at the next World Cup that the obvious and straightforward is often overlooked for something confusing and unbalanced.
Will it impact already agreed fixtures?
It is best looked at as a global Nations League in the sense that it will be a little bit more important than a friendly but not to the extent that the world will come to a standstill to watch the final. But grumbles from coaches and players seems inevitable while the March window would impact qualifiers for other tournaments and potentially the UEFA Nations League.
