Global football federations are backing plans to expand the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in Dubai on Wednesday.
The head of football’s governing body outlined his vision for an expanded World Cup, arguing that it can be done in the same time frame as the current tournament.
Global football federations are “overwhelmingly in favour” of expanding the tournament, said Infantino. Infantino, speaking at a sports conference, said a 48-team tournament was the most financially appealing structure.
“We are still considering whether to increase the number to 40 or 48 teams. A format of 48 teams would be played over the same period as the current format, and the federations are all clearly in favour of a World Cup with more teams.”
The FIFA boss has suggested a 48-team tournament but with a one-off preliminary round involving 32 teams, with the 16 winners going into a 32-team group stage and joining 16 teams who would receive a bye.
The top two teams in each of 16 groups with three teams each would progress to the knockout rounds. Infantino later told reporters it would be up to the FIFA council members to decide in a “democratic process” on the expansion.
A decision will be made on January 9 but any change to the 32- team format is unlikely to come in before 2026. Last week, a FIFA research concluded that the best and most profitable way to expand the World Cup is to 48 teams.
The research concluded that “the 48- team (16x3) format would appear to offer the most tangible and intangible value”.
With extra knockout games in a new round of 32, the format of 80 matches - each in an exclusive time slot over 32 days - appeals to broadcasters and sponsors and would raise income, the research suggested. Infantino also hinted that video assistant referees (VAR) could one day be used at a World Cup.
