The Economist urges FIFA to overhaul World Cup rules to combat 'ugly' gameplay
As FIFA prepares for the 2026 tournament’s entertainment-heavy final, a new opinion piece suggests the governing body must prioritise on-field integrity over spectacle.
The Economist has published an opinion piece arguing that the FIFA World Cup has devolved into an "ugly version" of the beautiful game, calling for significant regulatory changes to restore competitive integrity. The publication suggests that FIFA should look to other major sports for inspiration, specifically advocating for rule tweaks designed to generate greater excitement and improve the quality of play.
The editorial, published on 3 June 2026, frames the current tournament format as lacking the dynamism expected of the sport’s premier event. By suggesting that FIFA emulate the rule structures of other sports, the piece implies that the current regulatory framework stifles the action on the pitch, creating a product that fails to meet the high standards of engagement seen in other global competitions.
This call for structural reform stands in contrast to the commercial and entertainment expansions currently being pursued by FIFA for the 2026 tournament. The governing body has moved aggressively to integrate high-profile entertainment into the matchday experience, a strategy that critics might argue distracts from the core sporting product.
The 2026 World Cup final, scheduled for 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, will feature the first-ever half-time show in FIFA World Cup history. Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, the performance will include appearances by Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, marking a significant shift in how the tournament positions itself as a global entertainment spectacle.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino first announced the intention to hold a half-time show at a World Cup final in March of the previous year. The move follows a precedent set at the 2024 FIFA Club World Cup final at the same venue, which featured a half-time show exceeding the standard break duration. Shakira, who previously performed at the 2006 and 2014 finals and created the 2010 anthem "Waka Waka", is set to return to the global stage for this historic event.
While the editorial focuses on gameplay integrity, the broader context of the 2026 tournament highlights a tension between sporting regulation and commercial entertainment. The Economist’s argument suggests that without addressing the underlying rules of the game, the World Cup risks becoming a spectacle devoid of the competitive thrill that defines the sport.
As the 2026 tournament approaches, the debate over rule changes versus entertainment expansion remains unresolved. It is unclear if FIFA has officially responded to or considered the specific suggestions outlined in The Economist’s opinion piece, leaving the future direction of the World Cup’s regulatory framework in question.
