The new 48-team World Cup format continues to spark mixed reactions. While FIFA champions a more inclusive and globally representative edition, many football observers believe this expansion could impact the overall quality of the competition, especially during the group stage. The performance gaps seen in some matches fuel this debate.
In this context, José Mourinho delivered a critical analysis during his appearance on the podcast Beast Mode On. The Portuguese coach argues that the World Cup should remain a tournament reserved for the best national teams to ensure a constant sporting intensity and a high level of demand in every match.
According to him, the increase in the number of participating teams inevitably leads to more unbalanced matchups. He points to some large scorelines seen in the group stage as worrying signs for the tournament’s sporting credibility. For him, a World Cup must embody a form of excellence, where every match features teams capable of competing on a technical and tactical level.
José Mourinho also emphasizes the spectacular dimension expected by the public. He believes many matches fail to meet this standard, with outcomes that are quickly predictable. He acknowledges that some matchups can offer genuine football interest, but he feels these exceptions are in the minority throughout the tournament.
However, the Portuguese coach mentions a few quality matches that caught his attention, particularly those involving nations considered competitive. But he stresses that these moments are not enough to offset the general perception of an uneven level. He also admits that his interest in certain matches can quickly wane when the imbalance is too pronounced.
José Mourinho on the World Cup:
“To be honest, for most matches, after ten minutes, I switch off. For me, the World Cup is the top of the top. I understand that, socially, it’s incredible for some countries to participate, but beyond that… pic.twitter.com/XLNyeHLFBf
— José Mourinho Show (@Jmshow10) June 27, 2026
At the club level, Chelsea FC, Inter Milan, AS Roma, and Real Madrid CF are among the teams he has managed during his career, which highlights his constant demand for competitiveness and quality of play. This experience at the highest European level shapes his vision of elite football structured around intensity and balance of power.
Despite these criticisms, the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup could change this perception. The gradual entry of the most competitive nations is likely to raise the overall level and provide more balanced matchups. This scenario could alleviate the expressed concerns and restore an intensity to the competition that meets the expectations of the most demanding observers.
