Tom Brady believes the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026 will make football bigger, more inclusive, and more globally connected than ever before.
The NFL icon has thrown his support behind the tournament’s historic expansion to 48 teams.
He sees it as a turning point for the sport, particularly with the competition being hosted across North America.
Tom Brady backs FIFA World Cup 2026 expansion
Speaking during a FIFA World Cup 2026 discussion on YouTube, Brady highlighted the broader impact of expanding the competition across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“Football is for everyone. It’s a chance for all of us to connect globally over something that we love,” Brady said.
Brady pointed to the significance of hosting the tournament in North America, stressing that more countries involved means greater cultural connection and visibility for players on the biggest stage.
He described the expanded format as an opportunity for athletes to showcase a lifetime of work in front of a truly global audience.
Tom Brady explains the impact of 48 teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026
Brady made clear that the increase to 48 nations is not just about numbers but about representation and competitive depth.
Brady added: “The fact that we have 48 teams in the World Cup means that 48 countries are represented in the World Cup. That’s 48 fan bases.
“That’s more competition, more games, more opportunities for people to enjoy this incredible sport.”
His comments reflect FIFA’s wider push for inclusion and growth, particularly in markets where football continues to surge in popularity.
Brady also referenced the strong appetite for the sport in America, noting the country’s long-standing success in the women’s game and the growing influence of Major League Soccer.
The message is simple. More teams mean more stories, more fans, and a broader celebration of the world’s most popular sport.
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