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FIFA Expands World Cup Teams From 32 to 48 Teams


FIFA’s ruling council on Tuesday, Jan. 10, unanimously approved an expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams in 2026, with a format of 16 groups of three nations.

“The FIFA Council unanimously decided on a 48-team #WorldCup as of 2026: 16 groups of 3 teams,” a tweet from FIFA’s official account said.

An initial stage of 16 groups of three teams will precede a knockout stage for the remaining 32 when the change is made for the 2026 tournament.

The sport’s world governing body voted unanimously in favour of the change at a meeting in Zurich on Tuesday.

The number of tournament matches will rise to 80, from 64, but the eventual winners will still play only seven games.

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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.

The changes mark the first World Cup expansion since 1998.

History of World Cup overhauls

World CupTeamsFormat
1930 Uruguay131 group of 4 and 3 groups of 3, with only top team progressing to semi-finals
1934 Italy16Straight knockout tournament
1950 Brazil15 (although only 13 took part)3 groups of 4 and 1 group of 3, with top side progressing to final group of four
1954 Switzerland164 groups of 4, but only 2 games in each group, with top 2 sides through to quarter-finals
1958 Sweden164 groups of 4, this time with 3 games. Top 2 sides through to quarter-finals
1974 West Germany164 groups of 4 but now followed with 2 groups of 4, the 2 top sides competing the final
1982 Spain246 groups of 4 followed by 4 groups of 3, the winner of each qualifying for the semi-finals
1986 Mexico246 groups of 4, top 2 sides and 4 best 3rd-placed teams qualifying for round of 16
1998 France328 groups of 4, top 2 sides progressing to knockout rounds
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Why expand?

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.”

Despite saying “the decision should not just be financially driven”, Infantino did highlight the possible financial upsides.

According to Fifa’s own research, revenue is predicted to increase to £5.29bn for a 48-team tournament, giving a potential profit rise of £521m.

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© BBC


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