Silva slams world cup qualifying format: There's too much wear & tear
According to Thiago Silva, the CONMEBOL qualifying system for the World Cup is too difficult for the players and should be modified.
The CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying structure is very demanding for the players, according to Thiago Silva, who is looking for a better alternative.
South American countries now play twice in one group for a sum of 18 matches under the current arrangement. The top four teams advance to the World Cup, while the fifth-placed team faces an Asian side in a play-off.
Given the continent's size and the fact that many players work for European teams, large distances must be covered, and matches might be played at drastically different elevations and temperatures in the span of a few days.
's central defender Silva feels a change is required, and FIFA is said to have met with certain players to explore what a new model for the first 48-team World Cup in 2026 may entail.
"There's a lot of wear and tear, in addition to the climate, which is totally different from what we are used to in Europe.
"Me and the team had a hard time training in Teresopolis, which is colder than Rio de Janeiro [where Brazil played Chile on Thursday]. This can hinder performance.
"If we could somehow find a balance in these trips, it would certainly facilitate our stay and our performances.
"It's definitely unnecessary wear and tear, in my opinion."
After beating
Chile4-0 in the scorching heat of Rio on Thursday, Brazil will face
Boliviaon Tuesday at an altitude of nearly 3,500 meters.
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