Sport: Soccer Country: Spain Category: Scores & Results

Iker Casillas asks FIFA to change World Cup format for 2030

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 4:30 PM

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Iker Casillas asks FIFA to change World Cup format for 2030

Summary

Iker Casillas has called for modifications to the World Cup format ahead of the 2030 tournament. The former Spain international criticized FIFA's choice to use head-to-head results rather than goal difference to determine standings among teams tied on points. He proposed expanding the tournament to include 64 teams instead of 48, which he argues would ensure only the two best teams from each group advance, enhancing the competitive nature and quality of the knockout stages. This call comes during the lead-up to the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup group stage, where some teams have progressed with minimal effort due to the current rules.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Casillas wants FIFA to restore goal difference as a tiebreaker.
•He is advocating for a 64-team World Cup format for 2030.
•The current 48-team format allows some low-performing teams to advance.
•FIFA's decision on tiebreakers has sparked criticism among former players.

Latest Updates

4:30 PMYahoo Sports — Iker Casillas demands FIFA 'have to' make World Cup rule change in time for 2030

What they're saying

"
Former Spain international Iker Casillas has called on FIFA to make a change to the structure of the World Cup. The group stage of the 2026 World Cup is coming to an end, albeit not as exciting an end as it could have been – had FIFA maintained that goal difference be the decisive factor for those level on points after the three games.
— Yahoo Sports

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