Also given that the host automatically qualifies, does that mean all 3 countries won't have to qualify?
So its just a 6 hour flight from Canada to Mexico, I don't like these joint bids at all and have a feeling they only happen as they have a much better chance of getting voted for. The atmosphere is bound to be diluted over such a large area.
Out of interest, what was the need to make it a joint bid with all 3 countries? Surely both the USA and Mexico could've easily hosted it on their own? Canada maybe not because there aren't as many big cities, but the other two certainly could've done, and indeed have done in the past
Also given that the host automatically qualifies, does that mean all 3 countries won't have to qualify?
Its worse than you can imagine: the proposal is 16 groups of 3 - top-2 advance to knockouts.well we were up against Morocco so it was a foregone conclusion. nothing against Morocco but they dont have the money Qatar has to just build a bunch of new stadiums.
not a fan of the 48 team format, btw. basically 25% of FIFA will get in. I assume it will be 12 groups of 4 with eight 3rd place teams advancing to give 32 at the start of the knockout phase.
Its worse than you can imagine: the proposal is 16 groups of 3 - top-2 advance to knockouts.
And it gets worse from there - there would be no draws in the group stage. Each game to be decided by Penalties if necessary.
In short, its going to be awful. And expensive. But, mostly awful.
And its a weird schedule because each group has a team not playing in a given round - so the days between matches will be all over the place.that is worse. that will take all the intrigue out of the group stage.
And its a weird schedule because each group has a team not playing in a given round - so the days between matches will be all over the place.
Its nothing but a money grab, and very poorly conceived.
I hope there is enough time to figure out a better schedule - but one of the limiting factors is keeping the groups small enough so that the group stage does not last too long.
Its worse than you can imagine: the proposal is 16 groups of 3 - top-2 advance to knockouts.
And it gets worse from there - there would be no draws in the group stage. Each game to be decided by Penalties if necessary.
In short, its going to be awful. And expensive. But, mostly awful.
cough.... bribes... cough