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How the format of the FIFA World Cup has changed over the last 50 years

Over the last 50 years, the World Cup has changed beyond recognition: 16 teams have turned into 48, instead of one referee with a flag there is VAR and microchips in the ball, and instead of one host country, there are now three. The tournament has ceased to be an intimate competition and has become a global show with billion-dollar budgets, five substitutions, and a schedule tailored for television. In this article, we analyze how the format of the World Cup has evolved from 1974 to the present day, why the golden standard of 32 teams has become a thing of the past, and what we have lost (and gained) on the way to 48 participants. Spoiler: old football cannot be brought back.