FIFA: "I believe for the World Cup 2026... there should be 40 teams" (Gianni Infantino)

"I believe for the World Cup 2026 - because the 2018 and 2022 finals are already decided - there should be 40 teams... and out of the eight more there should be at least two slots for African teams," said Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, in Abuja, Nigeria, on 25/07/2016.

Gianni Infantino conducted a two-day visit of Nigeria with Fatma Samoura (SEN), a former United Nations diplomat who became secretary general of FIFA on 20/06/2016.

Since 1998 and the increase from 24 to 32 competing teams in World Cup finals, Africa has had five representatives, except in 2010 when they had six, with South Africa qualified automatically as hosts.

"Increasing the number of teams in the final phase of World Cup will ensure greater global representation and increase participation in football at all levels," and was made one of the 11 principles "for the future of FIFA and the unity of the football community," which Gianni Infantino proposed during his election campaign for the FIFA presidency, on 26/02/2016.