Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

BadAtNameIdeas t1_ixpydqd wrote

Reply to comment by lefix in TIL the 2026 World Cup will be the first Cup to host 48 teams instead of the usual 32. by hcbaron

That’s the equivalent of giving that country a participation trophy. I would find no joy in my country going just to never win.

−11

Knyfe-Wrench t1_ixq3uyt wrote

48 is less than a quarter of the national teams in the world. That's more exclusive than any major US sport's playoffs. But sure, it's a "participation trophy."

5

BadAtNameIdeas t1_ixq4w6t wrote

In response to the person that I commented to, a participation trophy is exactly what it would feel like -“it would bring so much joy to these people, even if they lose every match”. Also, the qualifying for the World Cup is a years long process, wherein every country that’s eligible can compete to qualify. It’s not exclusive, it’s earned to be there.

−2