The 2026 FIFA World Cup, expanded to 48 teams, felt like March Madness. Lower seeds such as Cape Verde and Congo DR produced upsets, giving the tournament breathless momentum and a bracket no one anticipated.

Bill Connelly, an ESPN writer, praised the expansion’s underdog appeal but warned that a similar College Football Playoff (CFP) expansion would not deliver the same excitement. He argues that adding a fifth round when the current four‑round format already stretches the calendar seems foolish.

Concerns include an over‑filled schedule, loss of conference title games, and limited access for mid‑major programs. Pettiti’s proposal would guarantee the top 23 teams, leaving little room for 8-4 teams from the Big Ten or SEC, and sidelining deserving mid‑major teams like James Madison. Such a system would also maintain the integrity of the regular season, giving each conference a meaningful championship while still allowing the field to reflect national performance.

Ultimately, the debate centers on balancing excitement, fairness, and the practical limits of the college football calendar.