The President of International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Mr. Gianni Infantino, has hinted on the possibility of increasing the number of participating countries from 32 to 48 in 2026 World Cup tournament.
In a recent interview the FIFA President said: “We have decided to increase the number of teams participating in the World Cup final tournaments from 32 to 48 and this will happen in 2026.”
He stated this in an address at the Asian Football Confederation’s annual Congress in Kuala Lumpur.
Continuing he said: “Will it happen in 2022? We are looking at it. If it is possible, why not?”
He explained that the expansion of the tournament would increase Asia’s allocation rise from 4.5 to 8.5 places.“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,” Infantino said.
However, adding another 16 teams could make Qatar’s task in preparing for the World Cup more complicated. According to Hassan al-Thawadi, head of the 2022 organising body, Qatar are studying the 48 teams proposal and would make a decision before the qualifying stage.
“We are still looking at the feasibility studies and we will be in a better position to provide a feedback in the future,” he said. “But it will be decided before the qualifications … sometime in the first quarter of next year,” he added.
According to reports, FIFA President also restated his urge to expand the Club World Cup which will be played in the UAE in December and make it a real competition.
“One that every club in the world can target because we have global interest and everyone will benefit, not only from a financial point of view,” he added.
Meanwhile, for the upcoming FIFA’s presidential election next year, Infantino said 180 out of the 211 federations had given him their support.
“You know there is an election coming. I have announced I will be a (presidential) candidate. I have received over 180 letters of support,” he said.
“And when it comes to Asia, only a couple are missing.”
