FIFA Expands World Cup To A 48 Team Tournament
Fifa has decided the world cup tournament will be competed by a team of 48 upgrading from the previous 32 teams.
The first stage of the competition will comprise of 16 groups with three teams making up a single group before progressing to a knockout stage of the remaining 32 when the change is expected to be effective during 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.
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.
