The World Cup debate has overshadowed an ongoing review of the FIFA-managed International Match Calendars which mandate when clubs must release players to national teams. The prestige of UEFA’s European Championship and CONMEBOL’s Copa America also risk being hit by playing more World Cups. Opposition has focused on diluting the World Cup’s appeal, distorting the balance between domestic and international soccer and overloading players in a crowded schedule. Their members dominate World Cups on the field but combine for fewer than one-third of the 211 federations who vote.įIFA argues biennial World Cups will give more players and teams the chance to compete in meaningful games, improve talent globally and raise more money to fuel development programs. USMNT falls in latest FIFA world rankingsĮuropean soccer body UEFA has warned it could boycott if the World Cup moves from its historic four-year cycle, and South American counterpart CONMEBOL is also opposed.