Why Some Countries Want The World Cup To Happen Every Two Years

The Olympics happen every four years in part because it takes that long to construct all the venues. The world’s biggest soccer event doesn’t require this same commitment to infrastructure. Most cities already have stadiums, and the World Cup regularly spreads early games in its competition out to many different locations, so there is a debate raging right now among the sport’s administrators across nations about whether to consider hosting the World Cup every two years instead of every four.

Those who support the idea suggest that more money would become available to smaller nations and it would create more opportunities to develop the sport and players. The wealthier nations say it will create too many logistical problems and could negatively impact player health. The fight seems to be driven by those countries with wealth and privilege and those without.