World Cup 2026: Fifa unanimously decide on a 48-team tournament – to include 16 groups of three teams
The tournament doesn't have a host nation yet, with the bidding process delayed due to the corruption scandal
THE Fifa Council have unanimously decided to increase the World Cup to 48 teams from 2026.
The new format will see the tournament have 16 groups made up of three teams per group.
The new format will see a total of 80 matches played - although the eventual winners will still play only seven matches.
The vote was taken by members at a meeting at Fifa HQ in Zurich.
It is expected to be completed within 32 days, a measure to keep powerful European clubs happy - as they have already complained at the packed international schedule.
The tournament doesn't have a host nation yet, with the bidding process delayed due to the corruption scandal.
A final decision on the host is expected in May 2020.
RELATED STORIES
Four nations have already confirmed their interest in making a bid for the 2026 World Cup - Canada, Mexico, the US and Colombia.
Kazakhstan and Morocco are also expected to make a bid, while Australia & New Zealand and Azerbaijan & Turkey have discussed mounting combined bids.
Speaking in December, Fifa president Gianni Infantino said he wanted the tournament to be more inclusive.
He said: "There is nothing bigger in terms of boosting football in a country than participating in a World Cup."
A 48-team tournament is expected to see Fifa profits increase by £521million, according to their own research.