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Sport Nation
Opportunity vs Overload: Peter Drury 'fascinated' by expanded FIFA World Cup
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • June 12th, 2026 12:06 pm
New Zealand will face Egypt and Belgium at Vancouver's BC Place | Photo: FIFA
With anticipation continuing to build for the FIFA World Cup 2026, veteran football commentator Peter Drury has described the tournament’s expansion as both “fascinating” and unprecedented.
The competition has grown from 32 teams in 2022 to 48 in 2026, with New Zealand returning after a 16-year absence.
Drury, who has commentated at seven World Cups, told Sport Nation’s Millsy & Guy that the scale of the tournament reflects football’s continued global growth.
“It is getting bigger and bigger - that is literally the case here,” he said.
“We’ve never had so many teams in a World Cup. We’ve got an extra round. We’re going to play 70-odd games to get rid of just 16 teams.”
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While some critics argue expansion could dilute the quality of competition, Drury rejected that view, calling it “slightly patronising.”
“It is an opportunity for countries like Curaçao and Cape Verde to be part of a global party,” he said.
“Sport is about involvement and participation, and it does feel as though the whole world’s here.”
Drury added that matches involving lesser-known nations often provide unique storytelling opportunities - and admitted he regrets not being assigned a game with that nature.
The broadcaster also highlighted the distinctive nature of a World Cup hosted in the United States.
“Classic American - of course it’s the biggest ever. It had to be,” he said.
“It’s quite a bloated competition. There are a lot of countries in it, which creates opportunity and a different dynamic. And all the big hitters are there as well. We’re all just waiting to see how it plays out.”
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Despite the excitement, Drury raised concerns about player fatigue, with the tournament beginning immediately following the European season.
“We hope the top stars are still able to give their best because this is the peak,” he said.
“But particularly for European players, whose domestic season runs right into the start of the World Cup, it’s a concern.”
Drury warned the packed schedule could impact the tempo and intensity of matches.
“I say this with some reluctance, and I hope I’m wrong, but it wouldn’t surprise me if some games feel a bit tired or measured,” he said.
“There may be a sense of players preserving energy, and I hope that isn’t at the expense of the pace and intensity we love to see.”
Listen to the full interview below:
