FIFA chief to explore expanding Qatar World Cup to 48 teams
FIFA president Gianni Infantino wants to expands the World Cup participation to 48 teams as soon as the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
FIFA have already stated that the 2026 edition of the World Cup will encompass 48 teams, with the tournament due to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
However president Gianni Infantino has said recently that bringing the format to the Qatar World Cup in 2022 is both 'possible' and feasible'.
Infantino spoke on the proposal at the Asian Football Confederation's annual congress in Kuala Lumpur, and said that discussions have taken place with organisers of the Qatar tournament about whether the timetable can accommodate it.
As reported by the Guardian, Infantino said: "We have decided...to increase the number of teams participating in the World Cup final tournaments from 32 to 48. It will happen in 2026. Will it happen in 2022? You know me. It is possible. It is possible. Why not?"
Infantino told the AFC member nations that the expansion would almost double the places available to Asian nations for the World Cup, rising from 4.5 (four guaranteed and one play-off berth) to 8.5.
The FIFA president said: "You will have (a bigger) chance. It is possible...it is feasible. We are discussing with our Qatari friends. We are discussing with many other friends in the region. We hope we have it happen. We always have to try."
It will remain to be seen if the format amendments can be brought forward in time for the qualification stages of the World Cup, the draw for which will take place in July 2019.