Didier Drogba weighs in on expanded 48-team World Cup format

Ivory Coast and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has given his official seal of approval to the expanded FIFA World Cup format, praising the structural changes ahead of the tournament draw.

The draw will be staged on Friday, 5 December 2025 at 12:00 Eastern Time (18:00 CET, 17:00 GMT).

The 2026 global showcase, co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, will feature an unprecedented 48 teams—a significant jump from the traditional 32—a move the iconic striker believes is crucial for global football development.

Speaking exclusively to FIFA, Drogba emphasised the developmental impact, particularly for his home continent.

“I’m very happy with the improvement of the organisation,” the 47-year-old said. “I like the new format because it brings more teams from the African continent, which creates more room for development.”

Drogba, a veteran of four World Cup campaigns with Ivory Coast, anticipates that opening up more spots will naturally lead to a wider and deeper pool of talent emerging worldwide.

More Than a Game According to Didier Drogba

The forward vividly recalled the emotional impact of his nation’s first qualification in 2005, using the experience to illustrate why giving more nations a chance is vital.

“We qualified for the first-ever World Cup for our country in 2005, and that achievement was beyond football,” he remembered. “Not only did we qualify, but we managed to get ceasefires in our country, which was devastated by civil war at the time.”

To capture the depth of emotion during that period, Drogba invoked the old adage, confirming his belief that “football is more than a game.”