The World Cup will be expanded to host 48 teams, up
from 32, Fifa has decided.
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.
It will make a mockery of the
qualification process for most
confederations
Campaign group New Fifa Now
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.
New Fifa Now, a campaign group that says the
governing body needs to reform, labelled the expansion
"a money grab and power grab".
"It will dilute the competitiveness of the tournament
and, therefore, the enjoyment of fans," it said in a
statement.
"It will not help development of the game or provide
improved competitive opportunities for lower-ranked
nations. Instead, it will make a mockery of the
qualification process for most confederations."
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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