FIFA Cuts 2028 Olympic Men’s Soccer Field to 12, Gives Asia Two Slots

Overview

• FIFA announced the continental allocations for the Los Angeles 2028 men's football tournament on December 17, with reports datelined London.
• The men's event will feature 12 teams at LA 2028, reduced from 16 at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
• Asia has been allotted two qualification berths, an official allocation that tightens the race for AFC nations.
• The dispatches did not detail how the two Asian spots will be awarded through regional qualifying.
• Japanese media relaying Kyodo News highlighted that the new allocation will make Asian qualification markedly tougher.