Fifa has shown “complete disregard” for the importance of national competitions, Spain’s La Liga said after the world soccer governing body approved a 32-team Club World Cup as well as an expanded World Cup with 104 matches.

Ahead of its Congress in Kigali, Rwanda, Fifa on Tuesday announced that the 2026 World Cup will have 104 matches instead of the traditional 64 games due to the expanded format with 48 teams taking part.

The governing body also approved a 32-team Club World Cup which will be played every four years from June 2025.

“Fifa continues its malpractice of making unilateral decisions on the world football calendar, showing complete disregard for the importance of national championships, and the football community in general,” La Liga said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Fifa completely neglects the economic damage these decisions inflict on leagues around the world.

“Leagues were not consulted about any of the changes presented today, especially about the new annual club competition...

“These decisions do not take into account the competitive, sporting and economic impact on national leagues, clubs and players, by further cramming an already overloaded schedule.

“Fifa only takes into account a small group of clubs and players...”