The struggles of Europe and Africa at this World Cup doesn't mean FIFA is about to alter its qualifying breakdown for future tournaments. “There is no discussion about slots for the future, we have 32 teams,” FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke announced Saturday. “Anyone who is saying that is wrong.” Of the 13 European teams that started this World Cup, only six made it to the last 16. That's fewer than at the last three World Cups stretching back to 1998, when the tournament expanded to 32 teams. Of the six African entrants, only Ghana advanced, while teams from South America and Asia filled seven spots in the last 16. “All the confederations are moving up and getting stronger,” Valcke said. “It shows that Europe is not as strong as in the past. There are a number of explanations: some teams did not change enough from 2006; maybe also these European players play a lot of games, but most of the players on Brazil and Argentina play in Europe, too _ in fact most of the players on all these teams play in Europe. “Mainly, I think football in other countries is more strong than in the past.” Under the current breakdown, Europe has 13 entries, Africa 5 (plus the host this time), Asia and South America 4.5 each, CONCACAF (North and Central America and Caribbean) 3.5 and Oceania 0.5. Playoffs featuring Oceania vs. Asia and South America vs. CONCACAF explain the fractions. Valcke said FIFA would be open to discussing how to create more time between the end of European club seasons and the start of future World Cups.
