FIFA reveals allocation plan for 48-team 2026 WC
FIFA has revealed its allocation plans for the 48-team World Cup tournament scheduled for 2026. Under the new allocations, 9 teams from Africa, 8 from Asia, 16 from Europe, 6 from North, Central America and Caribbean, 1 from Oceania and 6 from South America will compete. The proposals have been approved by FIFA and would be ratified on 9 May.
FIFA World Cup
The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup is held every four years with 32 teams qualifying for the championships. The matches are played in the group and knockout stages before the semi-finals and finals.
FIFA President proposes new WC format
FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposed to expand the number of teams participating in the football world cup from 32 to 48. He said that the top 16 teams of the qualifying rounds would directly play in the group stage of the world cup. The next 32 would compete with each other before the world cup and 16 of them would play the world cup.
FIFA to decide on WC proposal in January
A decision on the proposed idea of a 48-nation football world cup will be taken by the FIFA executives in January. At a meeting held on 13th October, the FIFA Council also studied another proposal of a 40-team world cup. After the two-day meeting, FIFA President Infantino said that the council may or may not accept the proposal, but we'll keep an open mind.
Level of football is increasing: Infantino
Infantino said, "Whether it will be 40 or 48, it will be positive discussion. I would like to remind you that in the last WC, England and Italy were eliminated by Costa Rica. The level of football is increasing all over the world."
Talks to expand FIFA World Cup positive: Infantino
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said that the talk to expand the 2026 football world cup are on a positive track. He also said that more work needs to be done on the idea before the FIFA council takes decision in January next year. Infantino had proposed the idea of having 48 teams in the world cup than the traditional 32.
2026 FIFA World Cup could be the biggest
The 2026 FIFA World Cup might be the biggest one after national federations from Asia, Europe and Oceania gave a thumbs up to the FIFA President's 48-team format. The President met with the federations and three proposals were put forth in front of them. Gianni Infantino said, "They are very supportive of expanding; everyone, all those who were here."
Arsene Wenger against expansion of the world cup
Arsene Wenger, manager of Arsenal showed his disagreement for expansion of the FIFA World Cup saying, "If somebody can convince me how it will make football better and that we can live with time it will take to complete the tournament, I'm ready to listen."
2026 FIFA World Cup to be the biggest one ever
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will have 48 teams instead of current 32, FIFA's decision making body said. FIFA Council also announced that the 48 teams will be divided in three groups of 16 for the group stages. "The FIFA Council unanimously decided on a 48-team World Cup as of 2026: 16 groups of 3 teams. Details to follow after the meeting," FIFA tweeted.
