Changes will take place from 2026
FIFA have voted to expand the number of teams in the World Cup from 32 to 48.]
The vote took place today and the changes will take place from the 2026 tournament.
The total number of matches in the tournament will rise from 64 to 80, but the eventual winners will still only play 7 matches.
This marks the first expansion of the tournament since 1998.
The tournament will be completed within 32 days – a measure to appease powerful European clubs, who objected to reform because of a crowded international schedule.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has been behind the move, saying the World Cup has to be “more inclusive”.
Speaking at a sports conference in Dubai in December, Infantino said expansion will also benefit “the development of football all over the world”.
He added: “There is nothing bigger in terms of boosting football in a country than participating in a World Cup.”
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
