Advanced Debate: World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is in full swing, making this the perfect moment to host a debate on one of the world's biggest sporting events. Every four years, billions of people come together to support their national teams, celebrate victories, mourn defeats, and experience a tournament unlike any other. Yet behind the spectacle lies an institution that has become the subject of intense global discussion.

This will be a special Advance Debate. As there will be no exercises during July and August, participants will receive approximately 30 minutes of preparation time instead of the usual format. Preparation slots can be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you would like to debate, it is highly recommended to arrive at 19:00 to secure your preferred preparation time. Speeches will be 8 minutes long.

Motion: This house would rather end the FIFA World Cup than continue it.

The FIFA World Cup began in 1930, when thirteen nations travelled to Uruguay to compete in what was then an ambitious experiment: a global football tournament bringing together countries from every corner of the world. Over the following decades, the competition grew alongside the popularity of football itself. Today, it is watched by billions of people, features dozens of participating nations, and has become one of the largest sporting events ever created.

For many, the World Cup is more than just football. It is a celebration of national identity, culture, and shared passion. Streets fill with supporters, rivalries are put aside in celebration of the game, and moments from the tournament become part of collective memory for generations. Hosting the tournament has also become a prestigious opportunity, with countries investing enormous resources in the hope of showcasing themselves on the global stage.

At the same time, the World Cup has increasingly found itself at the centre of international controversy. Questions have been raised about the governance of FIFA, following corruption scandals and allegations surrounding the selection of host nations. Recent tournaments have sparked worldwide discussion on topics such as the treatment of migrant workers, the construction of stadiums, environmental sustainability, public spending, and the role of sport in countries with contested human rights records. Future tournaments continue to raise similar questions about how, and where, the world's largest sporting event should be organised.

This debate invites participants to consider the World Cup as a whole. Should such a tournament continue to exist despite its controversies, or have the problems surrounding it become too fundamental to justify its continuation?

Participants who wish to speak are highly encouraged to bring a paper and pen. You are welcome to participate even if you have no prior debating experience.

We aim for debates that are respectful, constructive, and welcoming:

***Respect ideas and people **Listen actively, stay quiet while others speak, and debate arguments, not identities or beliefs.
** *Be concise and civil **Keep questions short and relevant; avoid hostility, hate speech, or discrimination.
*** Respect boundaries and time **No unwanted advances or suggestive behavior; arrive on time to avoid disrupting the debate.
** *Follow moderators **They guide the discussion and ensure fairness.