FIFA: four formats - two with World Cup at 40 teams and two at 48 teams - selected for analysis

40 teams divided into 8 groups of 5, or 10 groups of 4, or 48 teams divided into 16 groups of 3, or 16 teams directly qualified and others who contest a play-in play-off, these are the four formats being discussed for the enlargement of the final phase World Cup, "selected for consideration and analysis" by FIFA, who will study this issue and should take a decision at the FIFA Council meeting of 09 and 10/01/2017.

These four formats (see below) have been detailed in a FIFA circular sent to the national federations on 19/12/2016.

"I am for an increase in the number of teams. To 40 as I proposed, but I also like 48," stated Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, on 23/11/2016.

"I strongly believe in a World Cup at 48 teams, but I'm obviously not a dictator, this is something that needs to be discussed. When the national federations have spoken at previous meetings, they were widely for, but more discussions must take place," added the FIFA president at the end of a conference dedicated to the sport in Dubai (UAE) on 28/12/2016.

• The new format will be applied from the 2026 edition.
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