FIFA discusses plans to expand the World Cup to 40 teams

FIFA's executive committee outlined new proposals at the news conference held in Zurich yesterday, including making sure there are at least six women on the newly-devised FIFA council, limiting presidential terms to a maximum of three and increasing the World Cup to 40 teams.

The proposal to increase the tournament by eight sides is on the agenda for the executive committee as part of a package of reforms for the world governing body.


The move would mean an extra 32 matches in the group stage, adding another week to the 31-day tournament. It would take the total number of matches to 96 and would come into force for the 2026 competition.

According to Sky Sports, the plan could see eight groups of five teams, with the top two qualifying for the last-16 knockout round.