'We have to dream', Troussier backs World Cup expansion

HONG KONG : Philippe Troussier, the well-travelled French coach who has been in charge of eight mostly minor national teams over his long career, has thrown his weight behind the expansion of the World Cup finals to 48 sides from 2026.

The 68-year-old Parisian, who earned the nickname the 'White Witch Doctor' while working with teams in Africa before leading Japan at the 2002 World Cup finals, believes the move will bring positive benefits far beyond the confines of the game.

"It will create a big impact, not only for the countries that are able to go to the World Cup, but it will develop the country," Troussier, who was recently appointed as Vietnam coach, told Reuters.

"When you know your country has no hope, even less than 1 per cent to go to the World Cup, why develop the pitches? Why pay a foreign coach? Why start a technical programme for the youth?

"You have no dream. And we have to dream. We have to hope."

Plenty of traditionalists are unhappy at the increase in the size of the tournament from the 32 teams that have contested every World Cup since 1998, arguing the quality of the competition will be diluted as a result.

For the likes of Troussier, who has coached mainly in Africa and Asia over the last 35 years, the prospect of more nations from outside Europe and South America qualifying for the finals is a major positive.

"With 48 teams, eight in Asia and especially in Southeast Asia, then teams can dream," he said.

"Personally I support this project."

Despite the huge popularity of football in the region, no Southeast Asian nation has qualified for the World Cup since Indonesia - then the Dutch East Indies - made an appearance at the finals in 1938.

Troussier has been tasked with changing that as he looks to build