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The world governing football body FIFA has concluded plans to increase the number of nations taking part in the FIFA World Cup from 32 to 48 nations which will take effect from the 2026 edition of the World Cup.
The decision was reached today after representatives voted in favour of the decision to have 48 teams.
The new plan will have a 16-group format with three teams in each group, after which one team will be eliminated from each group before the remaining two teams move to the next round where 32 teams will now compete.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, had agitated for increasing the number of countries that play in the World Cup when he ran for the leadership of the organization last year. He said it would invigorate the event, which is expected to bring additional $1 billion in television, sponsorship and ticketing revenue in the first cycle.
The number of tournament matches will rise to 80, from 64, but the eventual winners will still play only seven games, and the tournament though will now run for 32 days.
Though it is yet to be decided on which nation that will host the first edition of 48 nations in 2026,modalities will be put in place to ensure its success.
Federations such as Africa, Oceania and Asia are most likely to benefit from the increase as the essence is to help in development of the game globally, and helping federations that do not have ample representative get the opportunity to participate in the global fiesta.
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