2022 World Cup expansion plans abandoned as FIFA confirm final number of teams

FIFA have abandoned plans to expand the 2022 World Cup to 48 teams, world football's governing body have confirmed. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had been keen to bump the number of nations taking part at the next finals by 50 per cent. But the Swiss chief has been forced to accept that, due to time constraints, expanding the competition in such a short space of time will be too challenging. The number of teams will rise to 48 for the 2026 finals, set to be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada. A FIFA statement confirmed: "In line with the conclusions of the feasibility study approved by the FIFA Council at its last meeting, FIFA and Qatar have jointly explored all possibilities to increase the number of participant teams from 32 to 48 teams by involving neighbouring countries at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Following a thorough and comprehensive consultation process with the involvement of all the relevant stakeholders, it was concluded that under the current circumstances could not be made now. "Additionally, FIFA and Qatar have once again explored the feasibility of Qatar hosting a 48-team tournament by in particular lowering certain key FIFA requirements. A joint analysis, in this respect, concluded that due to the advanced stage of preparations and the need for a detailed assessment of the potential logistical impact on the host country, more time would be required and a decision could not be taken before the deadline of June. "It was, therefore, decided not to further pursue this option. The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will, therefore, remain as originally planned with 32 teams and no proposal will be submitted at the next FIFA Congress on 5 June."

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